Summary
"On December 18, 2014, President Barack Obama issued Executive Order 13684 creating the President’s
Task Force on 21st Century Policing. The task force was composed of 11 members, including leaders
from law enforcement, police unions, academia, youth movements, and civil rights organizations.
The mission of the task force was clear: “The Task Force shall, consistent with applicable law, identify best
practices and otherwise make recommendations to the President on how policing practices can promote
effective crime reduction while building public trust.”1
Over three months, the task force conducted
seven public listening sessions across the country
and received testimony from more than 100
witnesses representing a wide range of law
enforcement officials, civil rights advocates,
community and faith leaders, academics, and
others to ensure their recommendations would
be informed by a diverse range of voices. The
task force also considered more than 200 written
submissions. The testimony and hearings were
organized around the following six pillars:
1. Building Trust and Legitimacy
2. Policy and Oversight
3. Technology and Social Media
4. Community Policing and Crime Reduction
5. Training and Education
6. Officer Wellness and Safety
Following extensive discussion and analysis of the
testimony, the task force identified best practices
and recommendations under each of these pillars
and compiled the Final Report of the President’s
Task Force on 21st Century Policing."--Page 7.