Reimagining Safety and Security

Research Team Leader: Raymond Weyandt
Faculty PI: Dr. Michael Findley

Reimagining Safety and Security (RSS) collects and analyzes data on policing, public safety and national security in the US and beyond, including recruiting and training programs, citizen/civilian oversight, transparency and accountability mechanisms, use of force, budgeting, equity, organizational management, community engagement and reform initiatives. The RSS team is currently exploring data on citizen oversight, community engagement, and negative policing outcomes (such as officer-involved shootings) by police agencies in Texas. The team is also investigating transparency and accountability policies at US Customs and Border Patrol and will soon begin a new collaboration with the Data4Peace that investigates policing outcomes by race, gender, and other key indicators in the United States.

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Research Team Leader

Raymond Weyandt is a second-year Master of Public Affairs student at the LBJ School for Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin. His research focuses on migration, security, policing, open government, and human rights in Central America, Mexico, Texas and the United States. Prior to enrolling at LBJ, Raymond worked as a researcher for the Open Government Partnership. In 2017, Raymond founded the Peace Mill, a research and communications consultancy based in Austin. Raymond’s recent publications include a book chapter on open government strategies for local governments, a comprehensive report on Mexico’s migratory policies, and a series of reports on equity and policing in Austin. Raymond also serves as IPD's Research Program Manager. Outside of IPD, Raymond is the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer for LBJ's Graduate Public Affairs Council, the school's student political body.