Watchmen or Warfighters?

August 31, 2016

Derek M. Cohen, Ph.D.

Derek M. Cohen, Ph.D, is the Foundation’s Chief Research Officer and Right on Crime Senior Fellow. Previously the Vice President of Policy and Director of Right on Crime, the Foundation’s criminal justice reform initiative, Cohen was instrumental in the passage of the First Step Act, federal legislation that borrowed from successful changes to prisons and sentencing that he had helped pass in conservative states. In addition to leading the Foundation’s work on criminal justice, he is also the lead researcher of firearms policy.

Greg Glod

@GregGlodTPPF

Greg Glod is the senior criminal justice policy fellow for Americans for Prosperity.

Michael Haugen

@HaugenATX

Watchmen or Warfighters? This report analyzes the $1.86 billion worth of materiel has been distributed nationally since the program’s inception – $124.91 million worth of materiel has been distributed to Texas. The legislature should institute reforms that increase both transparency and accountability.

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Reinvigorating Federalism and Fiscal Discipline in Texas: Establishing the Office of State Sovereignty

Texas governments received $84.3 billion in federal funding in 2023, raising concerns over financial dependency and regulatory consequences. Creating an Office of State Sovereignty to monitor the application, receipt, and conditions of this aid could mitigate fiscal risk and improve transparency. Key points: Texas lacks a centralized system to oversee federal grants potentially flowing to...

September 9, 2026

Criminal Justice

Moral Injury in the Texas First Responder Workforce: Findings and Policy Recommendations

Moral injury affects nearly two-thirds of Texas first responders, yet remains undiagnosed and untreated. Targeted screening and evidence-based intervention can change that. Key Points 62.6% of Texas first responders surveyed had experienced a morally injurious event; half of those screened positive for probable PTSD. More than half reported numbness or detachment from people and surroundings,...

August 6, 2026

K-12 Education

Going Medieval on Education Technology

Going Medieval on Education Technology Key points: Texas schools have acquired millions of one-to-one devices for use as educational technology. These devices are used for instruction, practice, assessment, and independent study. Significant evidence suggests that using screens reduces students’ reading ability, and the evidence for other subjects is mixed. Exposure to screens also risks harm...

August 31, 2026