Action Briefs
Americans are demanding changes to law enforcement protocols as a response to the epidemic of police misconduct. Bills are being developed at the federal, state, and local levels, with much of the legislation pointing to the murder of George Floyd as the sentinel event for the reimagination of policing.
The Center for Justice Research at Texas Southern University is playing an active role in this discussion with the formation of our National Police Reform Advisory Group, a collective of scholars, practitioners, and community members. The group’s recommendations for our Action Briefs highlight reforms that protect citizens and hold officers accountable for misconduct at all levels, while simultaneously protecting public safety.
About the Authors
Warren V. Dukes, Ph.D.
United Way of Central Indiana
Dr. Warren V. Dukes is currently the Vice-President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at the United Way of Central Indiana. Formerly a Sociology Lecturer and Director of Undergraduate Programs in the Department of Sociology at Purdue University. Warren’s prior research on Black police officers gained the attention of national law enforcement executives and members of President Obama’s administration, as he was an invited participant in the President’s Task Force on the White House 21st Century Policing Briefing.
Jennifer Wyatt Bourgeois, Ph.D.
Texas Southern University
Jennifer Wyatt Bourgeois is a Postdoctoral fellow at the Center for Justice Research at Texas Southern University. Jennifer has been published in the Journal of Black Studies, Lone Star Forensic's, and Drug Science, Policy, & Law. Additionally, she has co- authored two nationally recognized reports in the areas of pretrial diversion and prosecutor caseloads.
Chris Andrews
Communications Consultant
Chris Andrews is a former journalist who covered state government in Michigan for more than 20 years. As a communications consultant, he has written extensively on criminal justice, juvenile justice, and race equity issues. He has his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Michigan.
Bezil L. Taylor, MSW
Howard University - School of Social Work
Bezil Taylor previously served as a co-facilitator of the Racial and Social Justice Collaborative at Michigan State University’s School of Social Work. Bezil has experience working in nonprofit leadership and in legislative and community support roles in the Michigan Senate. He is currently a doctoral student in Howard University's School of Social Work.
Paul Elam, Ph.D.
MPHI
Dr. Paul Elam is the Chief Strategy Officer for MPHI, a Michigan-based and nationally engaged, non-profit public health institute. Paul is nationally recognized for his deep understanding of crime and justice, youth violence and prevention, and child maltreatment. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience measuring racial and ethnic disproportionality and believes that sound public policy analysis should include an examination of whether all people are being treated fairly and equitably.
