Memoirs of a Commissioner: Experiences and Suggestions for Police Reform

Abstract

In recent years, the topic of police reform has become commonplace, especially regarding the use of force. However, little is known about the process of reforming police policies and practices. Further, the current literature provides hardly any information on the challenges associated with police reform despite heightened interests more recently to address various shortcomings in law enforcement. The current analysis seeks to fill this gap by providing a first-hand account of efforts by police reform commission immediately following the death of George Floyd at the hands of police. As such, this manuscript details the process of establishing a commission to put forth recommendations, describes notable obstacles to accomplishing its mission, and highlights various perspectives and their influence on the entire process. Additionally, this manuscript offers insight regarding the successful implementation of recommendations resulting from such efforts towards police reform. Finally, this note offers suggestions for both future research and ways to enhance the success of similar committees based on these experiences. Calls for reform are all too common in the aftermath of police misconduct. Nonetheless, the means by which police reform occurs is less often publicized, perhaps resulting in numerous variations nationwide when such committees are called upon. The goals of this manuscript are to propose a model for police reform, highlight notable experiences observed while participating, and suggest caveats and shortcomings which might be useful to future attempts to organize similar committees. Finally, this essay provides insight into the success of efforts toward police reform and the obstacles associated with implementing recommendations after public interest subsides