Broken Doors

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With a typical search warrant, police are supposed to knock and announce themselves. But with no-knock warrants, police can force their way into people’s homes without warning. This six-part investigative podcast from The Washington Post sheds light on how easy it is to plan, obtain and execute no-knock warrants — one of the most intrusive and dangerous police tactics. We explore the consequences when these warrants become the rule, rather than the exception. Hosted by investigative reporters Jenn Abelson and Nicole Dungca, “Broken Doors” is about how no-knock warrants are deployed in the American justice system — and what happens when accountability is flawed at every level.

The Washington Post


    • Oct 12, 2023 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 38m AVG DURATION
    • 9 EPISODES

    Ivy Insights

    The Broken Doors podcast is an incredible piece of investigative journalism that sheds light on the devastating consequences of systemic police misconduct and corruption within the justice system. As a public defender in the south, I witness firsthand how lives are destroyed by these injustices, making this podcast particularly resonant for me. The storytelling is captivating and the level of research put into each episode is evident. I was so impressed by the quality of reporting that I immediately subscribed to The Washington Post's podcast subscription to support more stories like this.

    One of the best aspects of The Broken Doors podcast is the depth and rigor of its investigative reporting. Each episode is meticulously researched, presenting a comprehensive picture of the issues at hand. The personal stories shared by the victims and their families are both heart-wrenching and eye-opening, highlighting the far-reaching implications of police misconduct and corrupt judges. The podcast team at The Washington Post showcases their talent in storytelling, making each episode compelling and engaging, leaving listeners eager for more.

    While it is difficult to find any notable flaws in this podcast, one potential drawback might be that it focuses primarily on a specific region or case. Although this allows for a deep dive into one particular injustice, some listeners may prefer a broader perspective or coverage of similar issues in different parts of the country. However, given that this podcast serves as a powerful exposé on one instance of corruption, it can still have a significant impact in raising awareness about these issues on a larger scale.

    In conclusion, The Broken Doors podcast stands out as an exemplary piece of investigative journalism that deserves much recognition and praise. Its ability to uncover systemic failures within law enforcement while amplifying the voices of those affected by these injustices is commendable. This podcast serves as a wake-up call to society about the urgent need for law enforcement reform and greater accountability within our justice system. I highly recommend listening to The Broken Doors for anyone who cares about justice and wants to be informed about the realities of police misconduct and corruption.



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    Episode 6: "You having citizens getting shot, and you having police getting shot."

    Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2022 54:50


    A man accused of killing an officer during a no-knock raid speaks from jail about the risks to people on both sides of the door. As we investigate the history of these raids, we put our questions to him and the mother of Breonna Taylor, both of whom are pushing for an end to no-knocks. We'll also hear from people who say this tactic is necessary. How did we get here – and what does the future look like?

    Episode 5: "What about my house? What'd you find there?"

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2022 47:59


    Police upended the lives of an entire block and killed a 63-year-old grandfather when they carried out a no-knock raid at multiple homes in St. Louis. But what did the police actually seize?

    Episode 4: "The blink of an eye"

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 20, 2022 56:05


    On July 25, 2019, a Black man was killed during a no-knock raid on a motel room in Louisiana. His fiancee was also inside. An investigation into what led up to the fatal shooting reveals the speed with which it happened — and raises questions about electronic warrants, a relatively new technology being adopted by law enforcement agencies around the country.

    Episode 3: "You're interrogating me"

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 6, 2022 60:03


    After hearing from survivors of no-knock raids and learning about the deadly consequences, we put our questions directly to the sheriff and the judge who had allowed these raids in Monroe County. People in the community still live in fear as Ricky Keeton's family continues their battle for justice.

    Episode 2: "Why y'all had to go in that way?"

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 6, 2022 72:40


    Around 1 a.m. on Oct. 28, 2015, the Monroe County Sheriff's Office hurled a battering ram into the home of Ricky Keeton to carry out a no-knock search warrant. After the raid turned deadly, Ricky's family confronted the sheriff — and began secretly recording.

    Episode 1: "That's what you get"

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 6, 2022 41:56


    Sheriff's deputies burst through the front door of a man's home as he slept. He said they pointed a gun at his head and ransacked his home in search of drugs and cash. The no-knock search warrant they used was threadbare. But that wasn't the worst of it.The Washington Post's Jenn Abelson and Nicole Dungca started identifying unusual warrants almost from the moment they began their investigation into no-knock raids. When Jenn looked more closely at documents from a rural county in Mississippi, she got a startling view into how little it took to execute a no-knock warrant in Monroe County.

    Introducing "Broken Doors"

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2022 3:23


    No-knock warrants allow police to force their way into people's homes without warning. What happens when this aggressive police tactic becomes the rule, rather than the exception? "Broken Doors" is a new investigative podcast series about how no-knock warrants are deployed in the American justice system - and the consequences for communities when accountability is flawed at every level. Hosted by Jenn Abelson and Nicole Dungca.

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