The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) applauds President Donald J. Trump for the signing of an executive order to establish the Commission on Law Enforcement and the Administration of Justice (the Commission)—the first comprehensive commission on criminal justice in half a century. The signing took place today at the IACP Annual Conference and Exposition in Chicago, Illinois, before thousands of law enforcement officers.  

“The establishment of the Commission on Law Enforcement and the Administration of Justice has been a long-time priority of the IACP, and we are grateful to President Trump and his leadership to make this a reality,” said IACP President Paul M. Cell. “This executive order is a result of close collaboration between the White House and the IACP and demonstrates the President’s unwavering commitment to making meaningful reforms to our criminal justice system. The signing of the First Step Act in 2018 was truly the first step in criminal justice reform, and this Commission will build off that momentum and bring about lasting change that will ensure our communities and law enforcement officers are safe and secure.”  

The Commission is designed to conduct a system-wide, comprehensive review of the criminal justice system, develop a strategic plan to include recommendations for moving forward and provide guidance to federal, state, local, and tribal governments. The Commission will study issues that are critical to ensuring that our communities are safe, and that those who enforce and administer the law are properly supported. Some of the areas of focus of the Commission include:  

• Challenges to law enforcement from mental illness, homelessness, substance abuse, and other social factors that influence crime; 

• The recruitment, hiring, training, and retention of law enforcement officers; 

• The physical safety, health, and wellness of law enforcement officers; 

• Steps that can be taken to better integrate education, employment, social services, and public health into efforts to reduce crime;   

• The effectiveness of law enforcement training methods; 

• The Commission will deliver a report and recommendations to the Attorney General within one year. 

About the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) 
The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) is the world’s largest and most influential professional association for police leaders. With more than 31,000 members in over 160 countries, the IACP is a recognized leader in global policing. Since 1893, the association has been speaking out on behalf of law enforcement and advancing leadership and professionalism in policing worldwide.  

The IACP is known for its commitment to shaping the future of the police profession. Through timely research, programming, and unparalleled training opportunities, the IACP is preparing current and emerging police leaders—and the agencies and communities they serve—to succeed in addressing the most pressing issues, threats, and challenges of the day.  

The IACP is a not-for-profit 501c(3) organization headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia. The IACP is the publisher of The Police Chief magazine, the leading periodical for law enforcement executives, and host of the IACP annual conference, the largest police educational and technology exposition in the world. IACP membership is open to law enforcement professionals of all ranks, as well as non-sworn leaders across the criminal justice system. Learn more about the IACP at www.theIACP.org.