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An illustration shows the back of a Black man looking up at a tall building, the Cuyahoga County Justice Center. In front of the building is a panel of three portraits, representing a roulette of judges.
Testify September 11
Cuyahoga County Judges Vowed to Reform the Bail System. Here’s What Happened.
Court officials informally changed their bail-setting practices for felony cases. Now, fewer people have to pay to get out of jail, a Marshall Project analysis shows.
By Ilica Mahajan and Rachel Dissell
A group of more than 30 protestors walk through Cleveland’s downtown, holding posters advocating for bail reform and better conditions at the county jail.
Testify September 11
Six Years of Bail Reform in Cuyahoga County: A Timeline
How public pressure, inhumane jail conditions, and informal agreements reshaped the Cuyahoga County bail system.
By Rachel Dissell and Ilica Mahajan
A Black man with a dark yellow beanie, an earring and a neck tattoo looks to the side.
Cleveland August 10
No License to Drive: Why So Many Ohioans Are Barred From Driving
Hundreds of thousands of Ohio drivers are suspended, mostly for unpaid fines.
By Mark Puente, The Marshall Project and Tara Morgan, News 5 Cleveland
A photo of the Cuyahoga County Justice Center building is overlayed with the underlined word, "Testify".
Testify March 23
What Are the ‘Exit Ramps’ From Incarceration in Cuyahoga County?
Help us report on how well the courts provide people charged with low-level felonies a second chance.
By Alexandra Arriaga
A photo shows a line of Cleveland police officers in riot gear outdoors.
Cleveland March 20
Have Clevelanders Lost Interest in Police Reforms?
Residents say city officials have not kept them in the loop on federal oversight progress.
By Mark Puente AND Sarah Buduson
A Black man in a dark gray suit stands at a podium during a press conference.
Cleveland February 20
Cleveland Police Removed Officer Names from Discipline Notices
Officials say the move prevents officer shaming. But does it raise transparency issues?
By Rachel Dissell and Mark Puente
A black and yellow sheriff's vehicle on a street in Cleveland.
Cleveland February 13
Calls Grow Louder to Restore Cuyahoga County Sheriff to an Elected Post
Some blame turnover of appointed sheriffs on added layers of bureaucracy.
By Mark Puente
An illustration in oranges and dark gray-blues shows a young girl on the right side looking fearful as the shadow of a police officer approaches her with handcuffs in his hand.
Cleveland January 31
‘You Ain’t No Big Man’: Videos Show Disparities in Cleveland Police Response to Kids in Crisis
Body cam footage reveals that officers don’t always follow department guidelines or training.
By Cid Standifer
Testify December 27, 2022
Cleveland Courts’ Revolving Door in One Chart
A portrait of Cuyahoga County’s repeat defendants.
By Ilica Mahajan and David Eads
A grayscale illustration shows four male-presenting youth in prison uniforms standing in a row.
Cleveland December 12, 2022
How Children End Up in Cleveland’s Adult Courts: A Bindover Explainer
Cuyahoga County transfers more children — most of whom are Black — to adult court than any other Ohio county.
By Abbey Marshall, Stephanie Casanova, Helen Maynard, Rachel Dissell and Cid Standifer
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