Publications

In the tumultuous times since September 11th, spontaneous displays of patriotism and prayer have erupted around the nation, thrusting questions about freedom of religion and expression in our public schools to the forefront of the agenda. We have written this guide to answer key questions about the rights of students and teachers in California. Read More

A toolkit for communities seeking improved water, sanitation, and other municipal services Everyone needs basic municipal services, ranging from water to garbage and sewage removal. But these services are not equitably distributed. The purpose of this toolkit is to help residents advocate for the services they need and deserve. It explains a key process by which local governments make decision... Read More

A report by the ACLU Foundation of Northern California and the Pacific Institute, “A Survey of Efforts to Achieve Universal Access to Water and Sanitation in California,” details the lack of access to sanitation faced by many communities in California. In 2012, California became the first state in the country to enact legislation recognizing the human right to water. But low-income people who l... Read More

“Smart city” products are often touted as cost-efficient solutions to providing government services and addressing societal challenges, but in reality, these technologies are no more intelligent than the data and algorithms behind them. Like other tools, their effectiveness depends on when, where and how they are used. These technologies can cause real harm to people—they have the power to exacerb... Read More

On any given day, over 60 percent of people in jail in California are awaiting trial or sentencing, and many remain detained simply because they cannot afford to post money bail. The results can be devastating. Individuals who spend even a few days in pretrial detention - let alone weeks or even months - can end up losing their jobs, their homes, and their children. The current bail system disprop... Read More

Twenty-three high school-aged young people from northern California spent eight days in the summer of 2007 investigating a civil liberties topic of their choice: the myths and truths of military recruitment and military service. The result is an empathic, impassioned, evocative series of essays, poems, photographs and drawings titled “The Truth Behind the Camouflage.” The young people, who were... Read More

Police use of Taser stun guns to subdue suspects in California and around the nation has increased dramatically in recent years. Billed by their manufacturer, Taser International, as a non-lethal alternative to deadly force, Tasers have been purchased and deployed by a growing number of law enforcement agencies. However, while the Taser is less deadly than a traditional firearm, it is hardly ... Read More

A criminal intelligence system engages in three general functions: (1) collection and analysis of information; (2) storage and maintenance of that portion of the information that qualifies as criminal intelligence and (3) limited dissemination and use of the intelligence information to enhance public safety. It is important to emphasize that there is a major responsibility which accompanies the op... Read More

A joint report of People United for a Better Oakland (PUEBLO) and the American Civil Liberties Union of Northern California based on two very simple premises: Oakland police officers should be willing and able, when asked, to provide accurate information about the police department's complaint process. If police officers consistently fail to provide this information to the public, eithe... Read More

Surveillance is on the rise in our communities, but basic transparency, oversight, and accountability remain the exception, not the rule. This guide provides a step-by-step framework to approach surveillance proposals, properly evaluate their true costs, and develop policies that provide transparency, oversight, and accountability. Read More

Lessons, Tips and Tools from Sex Education Advocacy in California charts California's progress from a state rife with abstinence-only programs to one that is considered a standard-bearer for its commitment to comprehensive sex education. Read More

Nosotros esperamos que este manual práctico sirva de herramienta para que los residentes de California hagan cambios en sus comunidades y para que se mantengan involucrados en los procesos que impactan su vida. Read More