Author: Malika Ali

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Incorporating feedback!

Over the past few weeks, I’ve received valuable feedback on my research project. One such piece of feedback was related to the need to delve deeper into the impact of social movements, specifically Black Lives Matter, on Pennsylvania’s criminal justice system. I realized early in my project that I wanted to include this to provide context for the topic, but in a way where my language wasn’t performative. I’m glad I received this feedback and am able to take a second look at my language, approaches, and methods. 

Another key takeaway was the importance of taking a topical approach during my presentation. Although we were talking about presentations, I realized that I wanted to incorporate this into my site as well. By focusing on concise descriptions of the causes and effects related to each component of the justice system (law enforcement, courts, and corrections), I want to provide clear insights into how COVID-19 has shaped these areas. This approach not only helps maintain clarity but also ensures that I stay on track without going into unnecessary tangents.

I was also told that the conclusions I draw from my data should be a bit more focused. I am working to reword my findings into concise and impactful takeaways, emphasizing the specific effects of the pandemic rather than broad aspects of the justice system as a whole.

Regarding the timeline of my project, I’ll be changing it to better reflect the interconnectedness of events related to COVID-19 and its effects on the justice system. This means ensuring that each event included contributes directly to the narrative of how the pandemic has influenced law enforcement practices, court proceedings, and correctional facilities in Pennsylvania (or at least providing more information to show how). 

I’m excited to incorporate these insights into my research and I look forward to sharing a more focused and insightful project. Stay tuned for the final project!

Note: One thing I’m still really trying to figure out is the actual title of my project (yes I’m aware that this is week 7) but this is what I’m thinking right now….

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Methods

ArcGIS

I am using ArcGIS StoryMaps to visualize my information and findings because it helps me frame my research as a story and narrative. This tool allows me to combine sections, maps, text, images, and multimedia in a seamless manner. I feel that it will make my project more engaging and easy to navigate. I am also using ArcGIS to help visualize some of my data by mapping by county. 

TimelineJS

I am using TimelineJS to help visualize events during the pre-pandemic, pandemic, and post-pandemic phases. It is also easy to use and visually appealing. This tool helps show the sequence of events in an engaging manner. I feel that it will help me paint a detailed, concise, clear picture of events in a way that is still engaging for the viewer. 

Datawrapper and Tableau

I am using Datawrapper and Tableau to help visualize elements such as arrest and prosecution rates. Both tools make it easy to create clear and interactive charts and graphs. Datawrapper is great for quick and simple visualizations while Tableau offers more advanced and interactive features for detailed analysis.

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Review of a Project I found Interesting

I chose to review a project called Virulent Hate (Anti-Asian Hate and Resistance during COVID-19) because I found it intriguing and relevant to my interest in the pandemic. Since the projects on the Reviews in DH website have already been assessed, I wanted to explore something new and contribute my perspective to the discussion. It was also a nice break from trying to dissect articles and datasets.

The Virulent Hate Project was developed by the University of Michigan’s Center for Social Solutions and Poverty Solutions initiative. It is an essential resource for documenting the rise in anti-Asian hate incidents during the COVID-19 pandemic. By analyzing over 4,000 news articles from 2020, the project identified more than 1,000 unique cases of anti-Asian racism. This comprehensive data collection helps us understand the various forms of harassment and discrimination faced by Asian Americans, helping to create a detailed and comprehensive database. The project’s transparent methods, emphasis on storytelling and humanizing (not just treating people like data points), as well as collecting thorough data make it a reliable resource for researchers, policymakers, and the general public.

One of the standout features of the Virulent Hate Project is its user-friendly design. The interactive map and detailed reports allow users to explore where and how these hate incidents occurred, providing valuable insights into the geographical and contextual aspects of anti-Asian harassment. The project also clearly explains its data collection and analysis methods, enhancing its credibility and transparency. I did sort of feel that the project could benefit from an even greater emphasis on storytelling and humanizing, perhaps through more media and images of people who were affected by harassment and discrimination. Sharing the personal stories behind the data would humanize the statistics and help preserve the individual and communal stories shaped by the rise in xenophobia during the pandemic. This approach would make the project even more impactful by providing a deeper, more emotional connection to the data.

Another strong aspect of the project is its commitment to accessibility. The site is designed to be easy to view and navigate, ensuring that the information is available to a wide audience. The project also highlights resilience and activism within Asian American communities, showcasing efforts to resist racism and advocate for change. By providing information on organizations like Stop AAPI Hate and the Bridging Divides Initiative, the Virulent Hate Project not only documents the problem but also supports broader efforts to promote racial justice and equity. Overall, the Virulent Hate Project is a vital, evolving resource that combines thoughtful research with resources and effective next steps.

For more information, visit the Virulent Hate Project website!

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Intro Text for Site (still a work in progress!)

The Effects of COVID-19 on Pennsylvania’s Criminal Justice System

A Comprehensive Study of the Pandemic’s Effects on Law Enforcement, Courts, and Corrections

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic had significant global impacts, affecting every aspect of everyday life. Pennsylvania’s criminal justice system was particularly unequipped to handle the sudden and severe disruptions caused by the pandemic. The system faced unprecedented challenges, including managing the spread of the virus within overcrowded prisons, adapting to new protocols in law enforcement, and navigating the complexities of virtual court proceedings. 

  • Overcrowded facilities became hotspots for the virus, which resulted in early releases and new safety measures to protect both inmates and staff. 
  • Law enforcement agencies had to quickly adopt new practices to maintain public safety while adhering to health guidelines. 
  • The shift to virtual court proceedings introduced a range of technical and logistical issues, impacting the efficiency and fairness of the judicial process.

These rapid changes shed light on existing weaknesses in the system and demanded urgent, innovative responses to unprecedented problems.

Because of the pandemic, policies and procedures that had been in place for decades were suddenly overturned, requiring immediate re-evaluation and adjustment. The challenges faced during this period were not only logistical but also ethical and legal, as the rights and safety of individuals had to be balanced against public health concerns. 

This period of intense pressure and rapid change provides a unique lens through which to examine the vulnerabilities and strengths of Pennsylvania’s criminal justice system, offering valuable insights for future reforms and improvements.

Impact of Social Movements

During the pandemic, the increased media coverage of police brutality and the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement brought additional scrutiny and pressure on Pennsylvania’s criminal justice system. Although BLM had existed for years, the pandemic period saw a significant surge in its visibility and influence, driven by high-profile incidents of police violence and public outcry. These social movements intensified public demand for reform and accountability, causing many law enforcement agencies and judicial bodies to reconsider their practices and policies. The widespread protests and calls for justice highlighted long standing issues of racial disparities and inequality within the system.

The effects of the pandemic and social movements are deeply intertwined, making it challenging to separate the impacts of each on the criminal justice system. The simultaneous pressures from public health concerns and social justice activism created a unique and complex environment for policymakers. 

  • Finish section by discussing how the project aims to explore the impacts of the COVID-19 period and that cannot be done without considering the intertwined rise of social activism and demand for reform. 

These factors influenced changes in arrest and incarceration rates, court operations, and law enforcement practices. This research project hopes to provide a comprehensive understanding of how these factors reshaped the landscape of justice. This study will also explore the lasting effects of these changes, identifying areas of improvement and best practices that can inform future responses to similar crises.