By OC Politics Blog
Full Article: https://ocpoliticsblog.com/2020/02/27/o-c-sheriff-barnes-receives-a-presidential-appointment-to-a-subcommittee/
Date: February 27, 2020
“…Sheriff Barnes was recently appointed to the Social Problems Working Group, a subcommittee of the Presidential Commission on Law Enforcement and the Administration of Justice.
Sheriff Barnes was appointed by Attorney General William P. Barr to the Social Problems Working Group, a subcommittee of the Presidential Commission on Law Enforcement and the Administration of Justice. On Oct. 28, 2019, President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order No. 13896 authorizing and designating the Attorney General to create such a Commission that would explore modern issues affecting law enforcement that most impact the ability of American policing to reduce crime. The launch of the Commission was announced at a ceremony on Jan. 22, 2020, in Washington, D.C.
“The Working Groups are a critical component of the Attorney General’s Commission on Law Enforcement and the Administration of Justice, as they cover wide ranging issues and themes impacting law enforcement, criminal justice components and our communities — everything from entire community groups to individuals in law enforcement,” said Phil Keith, the chair of the Commission “Each working group member’s diverse perspectives and experiences will provide tremendous value to the Commission’s overall mission.”
“I’m honored to be representing the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and serving on a Working Group of the President’s Law Enforcement Commission,” said Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes. “The Commission will ensure law enforcement agencies across the nation have the tools, training, and a collaborative strategy to address the many issues our deputies encounter on a daily basis. This is an opportunity to share the great work being done in our community, and learn best practices from other law enforcement agencies and community partners.”
The Commission is made up of 15 working groups, each of which will specialize in a range of topics from social problems impacting public safety, to officer health and wellness, to technology issues and much more.
The President’s Executive Order instructs the Commission to conduct its study by focusing on the law enforcement officers who are tasked with reducing crime on a daily basis. It also directs the Commission to research “important current issues facing law enforcement and the criminal justice system,” and recommends a variety of subjects for study, such as, but not limited to:
- The challenges to law enforcement associated with mental illness, homelessness, substance abuse, and other social factors that influence crime and strain criminal justice resources;
- The recruitment, hiring, training, and retention of law enforcement officers, including in rural and tribal communities;
- Refusals by State and local prosecutors to enforce laws or prosecute categories of crimes;
- The need to promote public confidence and respect for the law and law enforcement officers; and
- The effects of technological innovations on law enforcement and the criminal justice system, including the challenges and opportunities presented by such innovations.
The Commission will principally conduct its study through a series of hearings, panel presentations, field visits, and other public meetings. At these events, the Commission will hear from subject matter experts, public officials, private citizens, and other relevant stakeholders and institutions who can provide valuable insight into these issues.
The Commissioners, appointed by the Attorney General, are urban police chiefs, state prosecutors, county sheriffs, members of rural and tribal law enforcement, federal agents, U.S. Attorneys, and a state attorney general. In addition to their diverse experiences and backgrounds, each member brings to the Commission an expertise in formulating and shaping law enforcement policy and leading police departments and law enforcement organizations.
The Commission will meet monthly for the next year and then report its findings to the Attorney General, who will submit a final report to the President.”
