Close This website uses modern features that are not supported by your browser. Click here for more information.
Please upgrade to a modern browser to view this website properly. Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Opera Safari
your legal news hub
Sub Menu
Search

Search

Filter
Filter
Filter
A A A

US sets up major law enforcement probe

Publish date: 24 January 2020
Issue Number: 4861
Diary: Legalbrief Today
Category: General

US Attorney-General Bill Barr announced the creation this week of a Justice Department Commission that will study mental illness, homelessness, substance abuse and other issues that affect the ability of law enforcement to reduce crime in communities. According to a Fox News report, the effort – called the Presidential Commission on Law Enforcement and the Administration of Justice – follows an executive order from President Donald Trump in October that directed the Attorney-General to establish such a commission to look into issues affecting law enforcement. The Justice Department said it would explore ‘modern issues affecting law enforcement that most impact the ability of American policing to reduce crime’. The commission will study a variety of challenges facing law enforcement, including mental illness, homelessness and substance abuse. Police recruitment, hiring, training and retention of officers will also be key subjects for the commission. Department of Justice officials say this is the first commission of its kind since then-President Lyndon B Johnson launched a similar effort in 1967. ‘Together, we will examine, discuss and debate how justice is administered in the US and uncover opportunities for progress, improvement and innovation,’ Barr said. The Attorney-General also said the commission would look at ways to promote respect for law enforcement officials and more trust between the public and the officials policing them. ‘It’s particularly alarming that, last year, more officers died by suicide than any year previously recorded,’ he said.

Full Fox News report

We use cookies to give you a personalised experience that suits your online behaviour on our websites. Otherwise, you may click here to learn more, or learn how to block or disable cookies. Disabling cookies might cause you to experience difficulties on our website as some functionality relies on cookie information. You can change your mind at any time by visiting “Cookie Preferences”. Any personal data about you will be used as described in our Privacy Policy.