WASHINGTON, DC – The District of Columbia’s Police Complaints Board (PCB), the governing body of the Office of Police Complaints (OPC), today issued a report examining where the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is now and what the Department can accomplish by implementing the six “pillars” outlined in the Final Report of the President’s Taskforce on 21st Century Policing.
In December 2014, President Barack Obama created the 11-member taskforce to identify and recommend ways law enforcement can effectively fight crime while improving police-community relations.
Five months later, the taskforce released their report outlining 59 recommendations that fall with the following areas: Building Trust and Legitimacy; Policy and Oversight; Technology and Social Media; Community Policing and Crime Reduction; Training and Education; and Officer Wellness and Safety.
After review and examination, PCB found that MPD has begun the process of developing strategies and initiatives around the areas of concern discussed in the policing report. However, the Board noticed the following areas where the Department can improve upon:
- Building partnerships and meaningful relationships with residents;
- Supporting the development and delivery of technology that will help law enforcement more effectively provide police services; and
- Promote healthy dialogue about the importance of seeking help for mental and emotional problems.
“It’s important that MPD and police departments across the nation identify and implement practices that build community trust,” said Michael G. Tobin, OPC’s executive director. Developing strategies that can effectively fight crime and protect the public’s safety are just a few ways that can help improve the relationship between the police and the communities they serve.”
To view a full copy of PCB’s report, please visit www.policecomplaints.dc.gov.