Despite growing attention to bail reform and pretrial practices, less is known about how the role of U.S. county jails has changed over time. This study analyzes long-run changes in jail use between 1999 and 2019, with particular attention to the expansion of pretrial detention. Drawing on county-level data from the Census of Jails, the analysis applies a decomposition framework that separates national change into within-county institutional shifts and population redistribution across counties. The results indicate that while overall jail incarceration remained largely stable, pretrial detention increased substantially in both rate and share. Nearly all observed change reflects within-county shifts in detention practices rather than compositional change driven by population movement. Similar patterns are evident across metropolitan and nonmetropolitan counties. These findings highlight the importance of treating jails as dynamic institutions whose functions evolve over time and demonstrate how stability in aggregate incarceration can coexist with significant institutional transformation.
This study examines how the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped U.S. court operations, workgroup dynamics, workloads, and case processing. Prior research focuses on single jurisdictions, courts, or roles, and little is known about comparative nationwide cross-role experiences. We surveyed 803 court professionals, including judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, civil and appellate attorneys, administrators, and external workgroup members, who worked in U.S. courts during the first year of the pandemic. Regional and job-based differences shaped experiences more than jurisdiction or court type. Although procedural adaptations were shaped by highly localized leadership, resources, and guidance, the core experiences were remarkably consistent. Shared themes reflected variation at the procedural level (e.g. different rules, technology use, consent procedures, safety protocols) but similarity at the experiential level (e.g. shared stressors, workload shifts, uncertainty). The pandemic exposed persistent gaps where clear protocols, equitable training, administrative support, and sustainable technology are essential for resilient and adaptable courts.
This study examines the role and impact of LGBTQ+ liaison officers within police departments in the United States. Despite the historical tensions between law enforcement and LGBTQ+ communities, liaison programs have emerged as a strategy to enhance communication and address systemic discrimination. Using survey data from 49 LGBTQ+ liaison officers, we examine the factors influencing the adoption of liaison models, the responsibilities and activities of these officers, and their perceived effectiveness. Findings reveal that while LGBTQ+ liaison officers engage in both internal (departmental training and recruitment) and external (community outreach and advocacy) activities, they face challenges related to visibility, institutional support, and community skepticism. The study highlights the 'visibility paradox,' where officers' roles enhance public awareness but also expose them to professional and social backlash. Furthermore, despite increased representation, many liaison officers report a lack of formalized training and ambiguous role definitions. This research underscores the need for stronger institutional support, ongoing cultural competency training, and systemic reforms to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of LGBTQ+ liaison programs.
