Final Report of the President's Task Force on 21st Century Policing

• NCJ Number: 248928
• Date Published: May 2015
• Length: 116 pages
• Agencies: OJP-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Description; Legislation/Policy Analysis

Annotation

This is the Final Report of The President's Task Force on 21st Century Policing, whose mandate was "to identify best policing practices and offer recommendations on how those practices can promote effective crime reduction while building public trust."

Abstract

The task force recommendations are presented under six topics: "Building Trust and Legitimacy," Policy and Oversight," "Technology and Social Media," "Community Policing and Crime Reduction," "Officer Training and Education," and "Officer Safety and Wellness." Each of the recommendations in these topic areas include suggested action steps. One of two overarching recommendations is that the President support the establishment of a National Crime and Justice Task Force to examine all areas of criminal justice and pose reforms. As a corollary to this recommendation, the second overarching recommendation is that the President support programs that take a comprehensive and inclusive look at community-based initiatives that address core issues such as poverty, education, and health and safety. The basic principle underlying the task force's recommendations is that "Trust between law enforcement agencies and the people they protect and serve is essential in a democracy. It is key to the stability of our communities, the integrity of our criminal justice system, and the safe and effective delivery of policing services." There are a total of 59 recommendations for research, action, and further study. Together they are designed to bring long-term improvement in the ways law enforcement agencies interact with and bring positive change to their communities Some proposals are designated for immediate action. The task force held seven listening sessions, which were conducted in Washington, DC; Phoenix, AZ; and Cincinnati, OH. These sessions involved approximately 100 individuals from diverse stakeholder groups. Appended listing of session witnesses, biographies of task force members, and individuals and organizations that submitted written testimony