Criminal Justice

A newly released report from the nonprofit Lehigh Valley Justice Institute shows the impact marijuana offenses have on the local court system and the difference in how individuals are charged in Allentown and Bethlehem.

The incident has prompted the Bethlehem Area School District and city police plan to ramp up security measures at future games.

Mayor Matt Tuerk of Allentown plans to release his proposed budget this Saturday. Residents are waiting to see what it holds.

At Wednesday's Allentown City Council meeting, the city's police chief requested permission to seek grants from the state to afford a gunshot detection system, new surveillance cameras and other upgrades.

Lehigh County is sitting on $1.7 million for opioid abuse treatment. And millions more are on the way.

The teen, a student at William Allen High School, died at Stevens Park near Sixth and Tilghman streets, authorities said.

Police released details Monday of the threat received last week through the Safe2Say tipline.

Officials learned of the threat through the Safe2Say anonymous messaging system.

Gov. Tom Wolf this week unveiled a plan to provide pardons for people who have been convicted of minor, non-violent marijuana crimes. It could affect thousands in the Lehigh Valley

The governor's office estimates there are 30 to 50 pregnancies per year in the state prison system.

The county put a freeze on its work-release program over a year ago, but that could be changing.

Advocates for immigrant rights argue detention is inhumane and unnecessary.

Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro sent lawmakers a letter with six proposals to fill vacancies.

ALLENTOWN, Pa. - COVID-19 cases appear to be dropping in Lehigh Valley jails, but the omicron surge continues to drive new lockdowns for inmates and…

Wolf said part of the solution is to improve job opportunities, increase community resources and fund schools.

Northampton County recently shut down its work-release program; Lehigh County ended its over a year ago.

The 13-year veteran of the Allentown Police Department had been hospitalized since early this year.

To help ease the strain of surging COVID cases, officials are considering letting some inmates go home on work release.

Chief Charles Roca will lead the department with Assistant Chiefs Michael Becker and James Gress.

The American Civil Liberties Union was among the chief opponents of approval.

Mark Pinsley says it would reduce food waste and provide job training for the incarcerated.