"Americans shouldn't have to beg for data from agencies that have such extraordinary powers. As Art Acevedo, then the police chief in Austin, Texas, and now the chief in Houston made clear five years ago: 'This isn't our data, it's the people's data.'

"Governments should lean into the idea of being held accountable by their community members in ways that would represent a radical departure from the status quo. It is necessary for both legitimacy and trust. Leaders can start immediately by ordering the release of these five data sets: [use of force; complaints; demographics; stop and frisk; and traffic stops.]"