Politics & Government

Want to help The N&O deepen criminal justice reporting? Share tips here.

Raleigh police fatally shot a man May 7, 2022 after he threw Molotov cocktails at vehicles, then at officers. Raleigh police have a new de-escalation policy that addresses how officers should attempt to defuse a volatile situation before using deadly force.
Raleigh police fatally shot a man May 7, 2022 after he threw Molotov cocktails at vehicles, then at officers. Raleigh police have a new de-escalation policy that addresses how officers should attempt to defuse a volatile situation before using deadly force. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com

The News & Observer is expanding its criminal justice coverage. The initiative will explore successes and challenges as North Carolina police and courts face pressure to address inequities while keeping communities safe.

Do you have insight into ways that this state’s criminal justice systems help or harm individuals? Issues that merit more public disclosure?

Please share specifics below.

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Virginia Bridges
The News & Observer
919-829-8924
Virginia Bridges covers what is and isn’t working in North Carolina’s criminal justice system for The News & Observer’s and The Charlotte Observer’s investigation team. She has worked for newspapers for more than 20 years. The N.C. State Bar Association awarded her the Media & Law Award for Best Series in 2018, 2020 and 2025.
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