Justice Department Releases Resource for Specialized Unit Oversight

The Justice Department has released a new guide aimed at helping state and local law enforcement agencies assess and manage specialized units. This guide, titled "Considerations for Specialized Units: A Guide for State and Local Law Enforcement Agencies to Ensure Appropriateness, Effectiveness, and Accountability," was created in response to concerns raised after the killing of Tyre Nichols and the scrutiny of specialized police units. It provides actionable insights for the formation, management, and oversight of such units, emphasizing transparency, accountability, and community engagement.

The guide was developed through consultations with law enforcement, civil rights organizations, and other stakeholders, led by the Department's Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) and the National Policing Institute (NPI). It addresses various stages of specialized units, including formation, personnel selection, management, accountability, and community involvement.

Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta explained that the guide is a practical resource for law enforcement leaders, mayors, and community members when considering the creation or review of specialized units. It offers guidance on defining a unit's mission, selecting personnel, establishing performance metrics, and mitigating risks associated with specialized units.

Director of the COPS Office, Hugh T. Clements, Jr., emphasized that the guide was developed with input from diverse stakeholders and aims to promote effective, constitutional policing in collaboration with the communities served by law enforcement agencies.

The full guide is accessible at https://portal.cops.usdoj.gov/resourcecenter/?item=cops-r1140