https://www.justice.gov/file/1347866/download
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December 15, 2020
On October 28, 2019, President Donald Trump signed Executive Order No. 13896, which directed the Department of Justice to establish the "Commission on Law Enforcement and the AdministrationofJustice." ThepurposeoftheCommissionistoconductamodernstudyofthe state ofAmerican policing and determine specific measures to reduce crime and promote the rule oflaw. At the conclusion ofthis study, the Commission was instructed to issue a report with recommendations, which the Attorney General would submit to the President.
Under the directive of the President's order, I hereby present the final report of the CommissiononLawEnforcementandtheAdministrationofJustice. TheCommissionhas worked diligently to compose a report that should have a lasting impact to improve American law enforcement for years to come. It did so, moreover, under significant challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these challenges, the Commission continued its work to assemble a report that reviewed a diversity of important issues that affect law enforcement and their capacity to safeguard American communities.
The Commission's study is not, and was never intended to be, an academic exercise. I submit this report with the hope that its many recommendations will be implemented by policymakers, legislatures, and law enforcement agencies. These recommendations span many areas of importance that directly bear on the safety and security of the nation and its citizens.
For that reason, I am honored to submit this report of the Commission on Law Enforcement and the Administration of Justice. I would like to also thank all the commissioners for their tireless work in putting together a report that will doubtlessly improve law enforcement and promote the rule of law.
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William P. Barr Attorney General
FROM THE COMMISSION CHAIR
December 2020 Dear Colleagues:
On October 28, 2019, President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 13,896 creating this historic Commission to study, review, and recommend improvements to the law enforcement profession and the criminal justice system. Nearly 55 years ago President Lyndon B. Johnson created the Commission on Law Enforcement and the Administration of Justice. After two years of work, the Johnson Commission provided a blueprint for the criminal justice system that endured for more than a half century. This Commission was tasked with building upon the Johnson Commission report to provide a practical blueprint within a year that guides the improvement of the public safety of the United States and reinforces the fundamental purpose of government: to provide unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
The 17 commissioners appointed by Attorney General William P. Barr were charged with the significant responsibility to carry out the Executive Order and implementation guidance, and
to submit a report to the attorney general. In the face of adversity of the COVID-19 epidemic, these Commission members demonstrated an unparalleled level of dedication, commitment, and sacrifice as they remained steadfast in meeting their obligation and duty to serve our great nation. These commissioners were joined by more than 150 working group members; hundreds of subject matter experts; and a dedicated, energetic group of federal program managers, all working tirelessly to achieve the goals of this Commission. Nearly 200 expert witnesses provided oral testimony through more than 50 hearing panels, and more than 190 diverse groups of interest provided public statements, including information relating to civil and human rights and comments from survivors of murdered law enforcement officers. Collectively, the work of this Commission resulted in a set of practical recommendations for federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial governments to improve the law enforcement profession and related criminal justice system components. The key virtues of all commissioners included being extraordinary listeners, remaining practical, exercising sound judgement, and serving a duty to our great country.
I was humbled and honored to have served as the chair of this Commission and gained incredible insights driven by fact, research, and experience. As spoken to us on our first day of business
by Attorney General Barr, “serving on this Commission is a privilege, [an] honor, and carries tremendous responsibility” for the welfare of our United States of America. I am forever grateful for this opportunity to lead the work of this Commission.
I encourage my colleagues throughout the criminal justice system, as well as elected and appointed officials and the community at large, to carefully consider and work toward adopting these recommendations.
Sincerely,
Phil Keith
Chair, President’s Commission on Law Enforcement and the Administration of Justice