The Weekly Briefing 🇺🇸
Meet People Where They Are
The Sacramento Police Department has released a new episode of its Ride Along video series, offering an inside look at how officers respond to behavioral health crises and homelessness calls. The episode follows Officer Allison Smith and her partner through two real calls, showing how officers assess mental health holds, coordinate with hospitals, and connect people with community resources. "Every call is different, and our goal is to meet people where they are," Smith said. "Taking the time to listen and build trust can make all the difference."
Overdose Deaths Drive Record Low
The U.S. overall death rate fell to its lowest point on record in 2025, driven primarily by a continued drop in drug overdose deaths, according to new CDC data reported by the Wall Street Journal. The death rate declined 4.6% to 689.2 deaths per 100,000 people — down across every age group and nearly every demographic. The sustained decline in overdose deaths was cited by CDC researchers as the single largest contributor to the record low, with Covid-19 also accounting for fewer deaths than in prior years. 📉 More here
Policing is One Answer
The U.S. murder rate almost certainly hit its lowest recorded level in 2025 and is on track to go even lower this year, but criminologists are still debating what’s actually driving the decline, according to NPR. Crime data analyst Jeff Asher’s Crime Index shows murders dropped 18.7% in the first four months of 2026 compared to the same period last year. University of Pennsylvania criminologist Jerry Ratcliffe — whose research on evidence-based policing has shaped the field — argues the COVID-era crime spike was uniquely American, and points to the withdrawal of data-driven, targeted policing strategies following the social upheaval after George Floyd’s murder as a central cause. “That’s something we saw withdraw for a year or two,” Ratcliffe said. “What we’re seeing now is a re-engagement of policing a few years down the line.” In Seattle, King County prosecutors logged 384 “shots fired” incidents and 22 homicides in the first quarter of 2022; this year, those numbers were 204 and nine. Asher cautions against declaring victory — even a record low of 4.0 per 100,000 would still be double Canada’s murder rate, and represents roughly 13,000 to 14,000 Americans killed. 📊 More here
NYC Murders Hit Historic Low
New York City recorded 122 murders through the end of June — a nearly 25% drop from the same period last year and the lowest first-half total in the city’s recorded history, shattering the previous record of 136 set in 2017, according to the New York Post. Shootings, robberies, burglaries, and transit crime all declined as well, pushing overall major crime down nearly 6% — even as the city managed massive concurrent events including the Knicks NBA championship parade, FIFA World Cup matches, and America250 celebrations. “Those results would be significant in any year,” NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said. “But they’re especially significant now because New York City is in the middle of one of the busiest seasons it has ever seen.” The Bronx, once the most crime-plagued borough, now leads the city in crime reduction with a 12% drop. The only blemishes: rapes rose nearly 6% and hate crimes ticked up, with antisemitic incidents accounting for 55% of all confirmed hate crimes so far this year. More here
Homicide Clearance at 100%
Fresno Police Chief Mindy Casto reported that overall violent crime dropped 5% and property crime fell 4% in the first half of 2026 compared to the same period last year, according to KMPH. Commercial burglaries are down 32% and traffic fatalities declined 23%, credited to increased enforcement and community engagement. One standout statistic: despite two more homicides than the same period last year, the department’s current homicide clearance rate stands at 100%. “We currently have a 100 percent clearance rate for homicides this year, due to arrests being made in multiple 2026 investigations and prior year cases,” Casto said. Officers also recovered 673 evidence guns and made 1,153 DUI arrests through June 30. 🔗 More here
600 Drones Seized Near World Cup
The FBI has seized more than 600 drones near World Cup venues since the tournament began June 11, with the total doubling in less than two weeks as authorities crack down on unauthorized flights in restricted airspace, according to NBC News. Most violations have resulted in ticketed citations and seizures. In Kansas City alone, 32 drones have been seized outside World Cup events. In Dallas, a Honduran national was federally charged after flying an unregistered DJI Mini 3 PRO drone near AT&T Stadium during a match — detected by the FBI within seconds, with a task force officer locating and contacting the pilot almost immediately. A no-fly zone takes effect three hours before each match and remains in place for three hours after. “If you are flying an illegal drone, think twice — violators will be held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney R. Matthew Price. 🎯 More here
TASER Drones Are Coming
Axon co-founder Rick Smith says the company is actively developing drones capable of stopping suspects without lethal force, though the technology isn’t ready yet, according to Yahoo Finance. “The drone that is capable of stopping somebody is in the future,” Smith said in a podcast interview. “We do not yet have the ability to put an effect on somebody. That is something we’re actively in R&D on.” Smith was clear about the company’s limits: “We will not make intentionally lethal drones.” Current Axon drone technology provides real-time situational awareness but cannot yet deploy a physical effect on a subject. Smith framed the company’s mission — founded after two of his high school teammates were killed in a road-rage incident — as finding ways to stop threats without taking lives. Axon completed its $391 million acquisition of counterdrone company Dedrone in late 2024. 🔫 More here
Pennsylvania Trooper Killed
Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Michael Pahira, a nearly 20-year veteran, was struck and killed Wednesday morning while inspecting a commercial vehicle on Interstate 81 in Schuylkill County when a tractor-trailer left the roadway and crashed into him, according to CBS Pittsburgh. The truck caught fire on impact. Pahira and the vehicle he was inspecting had been parked safely off the roadway, meaning the driver would have had to leave his lane of travel to cause the crash. Michael Bon, 33, of Brockton, Massachusetts, has been charged with homicide by vehicle, involuntary manslaughter, and reckless driving. “The man died a hero,” said Lt. Colonel George Bivens. “He was an outstanding trooper and was considered to be one of our best.” Governor Josh Shapiro, who noted Pahira had recently moved home to help care for his mother who is battling cancer, ordered flags to fly at half-staff. 💙🖤 More here
Chicago Police Chief Retiring
Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling announced he will retire effective July 15, ending a 34-year career with the department, according to NBC Chicago. Snelling was appointed superintendent by Mayor Brandon Johnson in 2023 and led the department through the 2024 Democratic National Convention and what he described as a record-low reduction in shootings, homicides, and violent crime. “The hard and courageous work of the members of the Chicago Police Department should be given the credit,” Snelling said. Deputy Superintendent Fred Waller will serve as interim superintendent while the city’s Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability conducts a search for a permanent replacement. 🔗 More here
New Chief Walks the Beat
Just two days after being sworn in as Honolulu’s 13th police chief, David Lazar was out walking Waikiki on Independence Day as part of what he calls his “listening and learning” tour of Oahu, according to Hawaii News Now. Lazar, who retired as assistant chief of the San Francisco Police Department, said he came out to show support for officers working the holiday away from their families. “These officers are leaving their families behind and they’re out here on patrol, keeping Waikiki and this entire island safe,” he said. Lazar inherits a department facing near-record officer vacancies as he begins his tenure. 🌺 More here