SJC Exchange Library

This Prison Policy Initiative briefing highlights data projects tracking police misconduct, use of force, and officer employment histories across the United States. In response to persistent challenges in police accountability, advocates and researchers have built public databases using records obtained through transparency laws and public records requests. The resource spotlights major projects including Louisiana's LLEAD database, California's Police Records Access Project, Illinois' Civic Police Data Project, and the National Police Index tracking officer employment across 24 states. These tools help journalists, attorneys, and community members identify patterns of misconduct, document use of force incidents, track "wandering officers" who move between departments after disciplinary issues, and push for greater law enforcement transparency. The briefing also provides guidance for those interested in launching similar accountability projects in their own jurisdictions.