When tensions in communities across the country flare up following shootings or confrontations involving law enforcement officers, the relationship between the Department of Justice and the departments involved becomes vitally important.
Outgoing Attorney General Eric Holder, who announced his resignation last month, spoke to attendees Monday during the 121st Annual IACP Conference at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando Fla. about that relationship and what the DOJ is doing to work with L.E. agencies to keep them prepared, safe and out of the national spotlight.
The fatal shooting of a black 18-year-old by a white police officer in Ferguson, Mo. in early August sparked violent protests throughout the St. Louis-area. Close to three months later, the aftermath of the incident still dominates national headlines and has shed light on the mistrust of law enforcement by black communities throughout the country.
"We have a great deal of work to do when it comes to overcoming the mistrust and misunderstanding that some people bring to interactions with the police -- and that some officers may bring to interactions with certain communities," Holder, who will remain in his post until the confirmation of his successor, said.
"As law enforcement leaders, it is incumbent upon each of us to take constructive, inclusive steps to rebuild trust and instill respect for the rule of law in all of the communities where these tensions are uncovered."
Currently, Justice Department-led reform efforts are underway in St. Louis County and in other municipalities throughout the country. The Attorney General noted that the DOJ is making the effort a focused, national priority. The Justice Department recently launched a new program, known as the National Initiative for Building Community Trust and Justice. Holder said that through programs like this one, work is being done to ensure that tensions are addressed.
"At its core, this is about far more than addressing the issues highlighted by the intense public response to events in Ferguson," he said. "It's about practicing sound and effective law enforcement."
Positive Progress
Despite recent challenges, Holder said that there have been positive developments in the reduction of crime and that law enforcement officers have persevered amid overwhelming risks and obstacles in order protect their communities.
"Especially in recent years -- in the face of sequestration, government shutdown, and other unprecedented difficulties -- you have repeatedly proven the power of cooperation and collaboration across jurisdictions, and even international borders, speaking out for the physical and mental health of those brave few who wear the badge -- and risk their lives -- to keep their communities safe," he said.
"I think that we gather today at an auspicious moment. Thanks to your leadership -- and the extraordinary valor of every one of our officers on the street -- the past two decades have been defined by dramatic reductions in criminal activity."
The rate of violent crime that was reported to the FBI in 2012 was about half the rate reported in 1993. It has declined by more than 11 percent just since President Obam took office and the rate of incarceration has gone down by more than 8 percent over the same period.
"It's the first time these two critical markers have declined together in more than 40 years," Holder said. "This signal achievement owes a great deal to the courage, and the profound sacrifices, of our men and women in law enforcement."
Continuing Training
Under the leadership of the COPS Office, the DOJ is working with the IACP and other organizations to conduct a broad review of policing tactics, techniques, and training in order to confront emerging threats, better address challenges and examine the latest tools and technologies to enhance the safety of law enforcement.
"Thanks to initiatives like VALOR, which has trained more than 15,000 officers at over 110 training events – and ALERRT, our active shooter response training partner through VALOR, which has trained over 50,000 officers – we’re making good on our commitment not only to ensure success, but to promote safety, among law enforcement professionals throughout America," Holder said.
The Attorney General also highlighted the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Program, which helps to provide access to body armor to officers. Since the program was launched in 1999, more than $390 million has been awarded toward the purchase of over 1.1 million bulletproof vests. In 2013 and 2014, vests saved the lives of an estimated 31 law enforcement and corrections officers; three of which were saved by vests purchased in part by the program.
Holder stressed that through cooperation between the DOJ and the IACP, further steps will be taken to ensure that law enforcement officers throughout the U.S. will be able to protect themselves and secure their communities.
"In the weeks ahead -- wherever my individual path may take me -- I want you to know that my commitment to this work, and my abiding respect and admiration for you and your colleagues, will never waver," he said. "I am proud of all that we have accomplished together over the last six years. I look forward to everything we will achieve in the critical days to come. And I thank you all, once again, for your tireless work, for your friendship -- and for your ongoing service to the nation we love so dearly."
