Close to the Edge: Policing and Criminal Justice in New Hampshire

Social programs of the Great Society were aimed at utilizing relief and social programs to prevent crime. The Law Enforcement Assistance Act of 1965 changed the emphasis from creating jobs as a tool to prevent crime to funneling federal funds to support increased policing. This legislation laid the foundation for high incarceration rates for African Americans and people of color. This trend was further intensified by the establishment of mandatory sentencing laws in the 1980s. This panel will discuss these laws as they pertain to New Hampshire’s criminal justice system. We will explore such questions: Why doesn’t New Hampshire collect data that shows whether racial profiling is an issue here? What does implicit bias training look like in New Hampshire and is it adequate? And what are the key issues that New Hampshire’s law enforcement officials say impair their ability to serve the public?

This is a hybrid event. Registration is required for in-person attendance and virtual attendance.

This program is part of the Elinor Williams Hooker Tea Talks 2024 series, funded in part by New Hampshire Humanities through a Community Project Grant. 

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