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Wickersham Commission Established
In response to widespread violations of the national alcohol prohibition, President Herbert Hoover establishes the Wickersham Commission officialy called the National Commission on Law Observance and Enforcement, in order to study and identify the causes of criminal activity and to propose changes to public policy. -
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Police Reform
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Wickersham Report
Report on the Enforcement of the Prohibition Laws of the United States is released. The report details the widespread evasion of Prohibition and its negative effects on American society. The report recommends much more aggressive and extensive law enforcement. -
Prohibition Officially Ends
Following the ratification of the twenty-first amendment the eighteenth amendment is repealed in its entirety. Police no longer enforce prohibition on alcohol. -
The Warren Court: Mapp v. Ohio
367 U.S. 643 (1961) The United States Supreme held in the case of Dollree Mapp v. State of Ohio "The Fourth Amendment prohibition against unreasonable searches and seizures, as applied to the states through the Fourteenth, excludes unconstitutionally obtained evidence from use in criminal prosecutions. Ohio Supreme Court reversed." This was the first of several cases in the Warren Court that would alter the criminal justice system. -
President's Commission on Law Enforcement and Adminstration of Justice Established
Special Message to the Congress on Law Enforcement and the Administration of Justice. President Lyndon B. Johnson establishes the President's Commission on Law Enforcement and Adminstration of Justice. The group of 19 people is assigned to study the American criminal justice system's fighting of crime. -
The Warren Court: Miranda v. Arizona
384 U.S. 436 (1966) The United States Sumpreme Court hold in the case of Miranda v. State of Arizona "The Fifth Amendment privilege against self-incrimination requires law enforcement officials to advise a suspect interrogated in custody of his rights to remain silent and to obtain an attorney. Arizona Supreme Court reversed and remanded." The second major case in a long list of criminal justice system altering cases decided by the Warren Court. -
The Challenge of Crime in a Free Society Report
Some time in Feb 1967 (day unknown), The Challenge of Crime in a Free Society report is released by the President's Commission on Law Enforcement and Adminstration of Justice. The report is called the most comprehensive evaluation of crime and crime control in the United States at the time. -
Knapp Commission Report
New York City Mayor John V. Lindsay created the Commission to Investigate Alleged Police Corruption to investigate corruption within the New York City Police Department. The Commission confirmed the existence of widespread corruption and made a number of recommendations. Coined the terms "Grass Eaters" and "Meat Eaters" to identify level of corruption in individual police officer. -
Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act
Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 was signed into law by President Bill Clintion. The Act authorized the U.S. DOJ's Civil Right Division to bring civil suits against law enforcement agencies, to reign in abuses and hold them accountable. -
President's Task Force on 21st Century Policing Established
President Barack Obama signs an executive order to establish the President's Task Force on 21st Century Policing. The members were tasked with seeking out recommendations to help law enforcement agencies and communites strengthen trust and collaboration. -
Shooting of Michael Brown: DOJ Report
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE REPORT In August of 2014, the shooting of Michael Brown by the Officer Darren Wilson led to riots in Ferguson, Missouri, and although the DOJ report on this did not find sufficent evidence to charge Darren Wilson with a criminal offense, the DOJ report findings detailed that Ferguson police routinely violated the constitutional rights of its black residents. -
Baltimore protests
In response to the death of Freddie Gray, protestors organized in Baltimore to seek legal prosecution of those responsible for Gray's death; and bring an end to police brutality. Despite peaceful protests, violent outbreaks occur, police and national guard enforce curfew during the state of emergency. On May 1st, 2015, the Baltimore chief prosecutor charges six police officers. The protests end May 3rd, 2015. -
President's Task Force on 21st Century Policing Report
Final Report of The President's Task Force on 21st Century Policing The report detailed several recommendations outlining a guardian model of policing that builds trust & legitimacy of police, enhances training & education of officers, encourages community policing & crime reduction, promotes officer welness & safety, balances technology & social media, and develops policy & oversight.
