Research & Publications

This report discusses the negative impacts of solitary confinement as practiced in Virginia, the systemic difficulties prisoners have in escaping it and returning to the general population, and the State’s failure to exclude individuals with serious mental health problems from solitary confinement.

Virginia has a long and troubled history with voting rights. It is time we made clear that the right to vote is essential to a healthy democracy, and it belongs to the people. It is not a privilege to be used by the government to reward or punish its people.

Trust is dependent on the culture within both the community and the law enforcement agency. The primary focus of police reform must be on policies and practices that enhance professionalism, transparency and accountability.

This report examines how uncontested Commonwealth’s attorney elections reinforce the status quo, bypassing public debate and engagement. This report also makes recommendations and offers concrete action steps to change this broken system.

Virginia’s civil asset forfeiture scheme for drug-related crimes is overdue for reform. This law review article explains the history of the practice, examines the current issues, and makes recommendations for reform of Virginia's civil asset forfeiture laws.

Body worn cameras (BWCs) are cameras worn on police officers’ bodies that record audio and video of officers’ interactions with the public from the officers’ perspective. In this report, the ACLU shares what it found on the use of BWCs by law enforcement agencies in Virginia.