This report discuses policy options for Congress to consider in regard to law enforcement reform.... more This report discuses policy options for Congress to consider in regard to law enforcement reform. Over the past few years, several high-profile police-involved shootings and alleged instances of excessive force have generated congressional interest in state and local policing.
Law and justice/Legislation; Management and economics; Politics and government/Intergovernmental ... more Law and justice/Legislation; Management and economics; Politics and government/Intergovernmental relations
Since the early 1980s, there has been a historically unprecedented increase in the federal prison... more Since the early 1980s, there has been a historically unprecedented increase in the federal prison population. The total number of inmates under the Bureau of Prisons' (BOP) jurisdiction increased from approximately 25,000 in FY1980 to over 205,000 in FY2015. Between FY1980 and FY2013, the federal prison population increased, on average, by approximately 5,900 inmates annually. However, the number of inmates in the federal prison system has decreased from FY2013 to FY2015. Some of the growth is attributable to changes in federal criminal justice policy during the previous three decades. These changes include increases in the number of federal offenses subject to mandatory minimum sentences, changes to the federal criminal code that have made more crimes federal offenses, and the elimination of parole.
This report provides background on the Federal Prison Industries, Inc.'s (FPI's) operatio... more This report provides background on the Federal Prison Industries, Inc.'s (FPI's) operations and statutory authority; it does not address the related debates on inmate labor, criminal rehabilitation, or competitive versus noncompetitive federal government contracting.
On the night of July 7, 2016, Micah Johnson opened fire on law enforcement officers who were obse... more On the night of July 7, 2016, Micah Johnson opened fire on law enforcement officers who were observing a protest against police-involved shootings in Dallas, TX. Johnson killed five officers and wounded seven. Johnson was later killed by an explosive device deployed by a bomb disposal robot (also known as an "unmanned ground vehicle," or "UGV"). While the tactic is being hailed by some as an innovative way to tackle a dangerous threat and a way to save officers' lives, the Dallas Police Department (DPD) use of a robot to kill an active shooter has raised questions about what this might mean for how police use force in the future. What We Know About the Standoff After Johnson was cornered in a building in Dallas, an hours-long standoff ensued, which involved Johnson and law enforcement exchanging gunfire. Reportedly, a hostage negotiator attempted to persuade Johnson to surrender, but negotiations were unsuccessful. During the standoff Johnson talked about how officers would eventually find explosives, how he wanted to kill officers, and how "the end is coming." Dallas Police Chief David Brown ordered his Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team to devise a plan to "neutralize" Johnson without placing more officers in danger. The officers decided to deploy their bomb disposal robot with a pound of C-4 explosive in order to "take the sniper out." The robot placed the explosive behind a wall adjacent to Johnson. The C-4 was detonated and the explosion killed him. The UGV Used by the Dallas Police Department The DPD reported that it used a Remotec Andros Mark V-A1 manufactured by Northrup Grumman to neutralize Johnson. It is operated by remote control, is outfitted with a camera, and has an arm that can lift between 60 and 145 pounds, depending on its extension.
The Use of DNA by the Criminal Justice System and the Federal Role: Background, Current Law, and ... more The Use of DNA by the Criminal Justice System and the Federal Role: Background, Current Law, and Grants Deoxyribonucleic acid, or DNA, is the fundamental building block for an individual's entire genetic makeup. DNA is a powerful tool for law enforcement investigations because each person's DNA is different from that of every other individual (except for identical twins). DNA can be extracted from many sources, such as hair, bone, teeth, saliva, and blood. DNA samples can be collected at crime scenes, from people who might have been present when the crime occurred, and from crime victims. The information obtained from these samples is then compared with other DNA profiles to both eliminate and identify suspects in a criminal investigation. In the 1980s, states began enacting laws that required the collection of DNA samples from offenders convicted of certain sexual and other violent crimes. The samples are analyzed and their profiles are entered into state databases. In the late 1980s, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Laboratory convened a working group of federal, state, and local forensic scientists to establish guidelines for the use of forensic DNA analysis in laboratories. The group proposed guidelines that are the basis of current national quality assurance standards, and it urged the creation of a national DNA database. In 1994, federal law (34 U.S.C ยง12592(a)) authorized the FBI to operate and maintain a national DNA database for DNA profiles collected from people under applicable legal authority and samples collected at crime scenes. In 1998, the FBI launched the National DNA Index System (NDIS). Statutory provisions authorize the collection of DNA samples from certain arrestees and convicted federal offenders, District of Columbia offenders, and military convicted offenders. State laws dictate which convicted offenders, and in some states arrestees, will have profiles entered into state DNA databases, while federal law dictates the scope of the national database. Increasing awareness of the power of DNA to solve crimes and the mandatory collection of DNA from arrestees and convicted offenders has resulted in increased demand for DNA analysis, which has resulted in a backlog of casework. In addition to solving crimes, DNA analysis can also help exonerate people accused or convicted of crimes they did not commit. Congress has authorized several grant programs to provide assistance to state and local governments for forensic sciences. Many of the programs focus on providing state and local governments with funding to reduce the backlog of forensic and convicted offender DNA samples waiting to be processed and entered into the national database. Other grant programs provide funding for related purposes, such as offsetting the cost of providing post-conviction DNA testing.
The Public Safety Officers' Benefits (PSOB) program provides three different types of benefits to... more The Public Safety Officers' Benefits (PSOB) program provides three different types of benefits to public safety officers and their survivors: a death, a disability, and an education benefit. The PSOB program is administered by the Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance's (BJA's), PSOB Office. The PSOB program provides a one-time lump sum death benefit to eligible survivors of public safety officers whose deaths are the direct and proximate result of a traumatic injury sustained in the line of duty or from certain line-of-duty heart attacks, strokes, and vascular ruptures. For deaths occurring after October 1, 2013, the one-time lump sum benefit is $333,605.
In recent years, Congress has questioned the effectiveness of many DOJ grant programs. As Congres... more In recent years, Congress has questioned the effectiveness of many DOJ grant programs. As Congress continues to cut appropriations for many discretionary grant programs, there may be greater scrutiny of these programs. This report discusses this issue as well as issues concerning the effective management and accounting of DOJ grant programs. This report will be updated as warranted.
Firearms are one of the leading causes of deaths for law enforcement officers feloniously killed ... more Firearms are one of the leading causes of deaths for law enforcement officers feloniously killed in the line of duty. Since FY1999, Congress has provided funding to state and local law enforcement agencies to help them purchase armor vests for their officers. The Matching Grant Program for Law Enforcement Armor Vests (hereinafter, "BPV program") provides grants to state, local, and tribal governments to purchase armor vests for use by law enforcement officers and court officers. The BPV program was first authorized by the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Act of 1998 (P.L. 105-181). It has been subsequently reauthorized four times. The most recent reauthorization expired in FY2012. Since FY1999, appropriations for the program have generally been between $25 million and $30 million, with the exception of FY2012 and FY2013, when appropriations were less than $23 million. Congress is considering legislation that would reauthorize the BPV program. S. 933, the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Program Reauthorization Act of 2013, would, among other things, reauthorize appropriations for the program at $15 million for FY2014 and FY2015 and $30 million per fiscal year for FY2016-FY2018. Armor vests can only save lives when they are actually worn. Data from the Bureau of Justice Statistics indicate that an increasing percentage of police departments and sheriffs' offices have instituted "mandatory wear" policies. Several factors can affect whether a law enforcement officer will wear an armor vest. Safety concerns are the most significant, followed by whether the officer's department has a mandatory wear policy. Comfort and fit are also a factor.
This report discuses policy options for Congress to consider in regard to law enforcement reform.... more This report discuses policy options for Congress to consider in regard to law enforcement reform. Over the past few years, several high-profile police-involved shootings and alleged instances of excessive force have generated congressional interest in state and local policing.
Law and justice/Legislation; Management and economics; Politics and government/Intergovernmental ... more Law and justice/Legislation; Management and economics; Politics and government/Intergovernmental relations
Since the early 1980s, there has been a historically unprecedented increase in the federal prison... more Since the early 1980s, there has been a historically unprecedented increase in the federal prison population. The total number of inmates under the Bureau of Prisons' (BOP) jurisdiction increased from approximately 25,000 in FY1980 to over 205,000 in FY2015. Between FY1980 and FY2013, the federal prison population increased, on average, by approximately 5,900 inmates annually. However, the number of inmates in the federal prison system has decreased from FY2013 to FY2015. Some of the growth is attributable to changes in federal criminal justice policy during the previous three decades. These changes include increases in the number of federal offenses subject to mandatory minimum sentences, changes to the federal criminal code that have made more crimes federal offenses, and the elimination of parole.
This report provides background on the Federal Prison Industries, Inc.'s (FPI's) operatio... more This report provides background on the Federal Prison Industries, Inc.'s (FPI's) operations and statutory authority; it does not address the related debates on inmate labor, criminal rehabilitation, or competitive versus noncompetitive federal government contracting.
On the night of July 7, 2016, Micah Johnson opened fire on law enforcement officers who were obse... more On the night of July 7, 2016, Micah Johnson opened fire on law enforcement officers who were observing a protest against police-involved shootings in Dallas, TX. Johnson killed five officers and wounded seven. Johnson was later killed by an explosive device deployed by a bomb disposal robot (also known as an "unmanned ground vehicle," or "UGV"). While the tactic is being hailed by some as an innovative way to tackle a dangerous threat and a way to save officers' lives, the Dallas Police Department (DPD) use of a robot to kill an active shooter has raised questions about what this might mean for how police use force in the future. What We Know About the Standoff After Johnson was cornered in a building in Dallas, an hours-long standoff ensued, which involved Johnson and law enforcement exchanging gunfire. Reportedly, a hostage negotiator attempted to persuade Johnson to surrender, but negotiations were unsuccessful. During the standoff Johnson talked about how officers would eventually find explosives, how he wanted to kill officers, and how "the end is coming." Dallas Police Chief David Brown ordered his Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team to devise a plan to "neutralize" Johnson without placing more officers in danger. The officers decided to deploy their bomb disposal robot with a pound of C-4 explosive in order to "take the sniper out." The robot placed the explosive behind a wall adjacent to Johnson. The C-4 was detonated and the explosion killed him. The UGV Used by the Dallas Police Department The DPD reported that it used a Remotec Andros Mark V-A1 manufactured by Northrup Grumman to neutralize Johnson. It is operated by remote control, is outfitted with a camera, and has an arm that can lift between 60 and 145 pounds, depending on its extension.
The Use of DNA by the Criminal Justice System and the Federal Role: Background, Current Law, and ... more The Use of DNA by the Criminal Justice System and the Federal Role: Background, Current Law, and Grants Deoxyribonucleic acid, or DNA, is the fundamental building block for an individual's entire genetic makeup. DNA is a powerful tool for law enforcement investigations because each person's DNA is different from that of every other individual (except for identical twins). DNA can be extracted from many sources, such as hair, bone, teeth, saliva, and blood. DNA samples can be collected at crime scenes, from people who might have been present when the crime occurred, and from crime victims. The information obtained from these samples is then compared with other DNA profiles to both eliminate and identify suspects in a criminal investigation. In the 1980s, states began enacting laws that required the collection of DNA samples from offenders convicted of certain sexual and other violent crimes. The samples are analyzed and their profiles are entered into state databases. In the late 1980s, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Laboratory convened a working group of federal, state, and local forensic scientists to establish guidelines for the use of forensic DNA analysis in laboratories. The group proposed guidelines that are the basis of current national quality assurance standards, and it urged the creation of a national DNA database. In 1994, federal law (34 U.S.C ยง12592(a)) authorized the FBI to operate and maintain a national DNA database for DNA profiles collected from people under applicable legal authority and samples collected at crime scenes. In 1998, the FBI launched the National DNA Index System (NDIS). Statutory provisions authorize the collection of DNA samples from certain arrestees and convicted federal offenders, District of Columbia offenders, and military convicted offenders. State laws dictate which convicted offenders, and in some states arrestees, will have profiles entered into state DNA databases, while federal law dictates the scope of the national database. Increasing awareness of the power of DNA to solve crimes and the mandatory collection of DNA from arrestees and convicted offenders has resulted in increased demand for DNA analysis, which has resulted in a backlog of casework. In addition to solving crimes, DNA analysis can also help exonerate people accused or convicted of crimes they did not commit. Congress has authorized several grant programs to provide assistance to state and local governments for forensic sciences. Many of the programs focus on providing state and local governments with funding to reduce the backlog of forensic and convicted offender DNA samples waiting to be processed and entered into the national database. Other grant programs provide funding for related purposes, such as offsetting the cost of providing post-conviction DNA testing.
The Public Safety Officers' Benefits (PSOB) program provides three different types of benefits to... more The Public Safety Officers' Benefits (PSOB) program provides three different types of benefits to public safety officers and their survivors: a death, a disability, and an education benefit. The PSOB program is administered by the Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance's (BJA's), PSOB Office. The PSOB program provides a one-time lump sum death benefit to eligible survivors of public safety officers whose deaths are the direct and proximate result of a traumatic injury sustained in the line of duty or from certain line-of-duty heart attacks, strokes, and vascular ruptures. For deaths occurring after October 1, 2013, the one-time lump sum benefit is $333,605.
In recent years, Congress has questioned the effectiveness of many DOJ grant programs. As Congres... more In recent years, Congress has questioned the effectiveness of many DOJ grant programs. As Congress continues to cut appropriations for many discretionary grant programs, there may be greater scrutiny of these programs. This report discusses this issue as well as issues concerning the effective management and accounting of DOJ grant programs. This report will be updated as warranted.
Firearms are one of the leading causes of deaths for law enforcement officers feloniously killed ... more Firearms are one of the leading causes of deaths for law enforcement officers feloniously killed in the line of duty. Since FY1999, Congress has provided funding to state and local law enforcement agencies to help them purchase armor vests for their officers. The Matching Grant Program for Law Enforcement Armor Vests (hereinafter, "BPV program") provides grants to state, local, and tribal governments to purchase armor vests for use by law enforcement officers and court officers. The BPV program was first authorized by the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Act of 1998 (P.L. 105-181). It has been subsequently reauthorized four times. The most recent reauthorization expired in FY2012. Since FY1999, appropriations for the program have generally been between $25 million and $30 million, with the exception of FY2012 and FY2013, when appropriations were less than $23 million. Congress is considering legislation that would reauthorize the BPV program. S. 933, the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Program Reauthorization Act of 2013, would, among other things, reauthorize appropriations for the program at $15 million for FY2014 and FY2015 and $30 million per fiscal year for FY2016-FY2018. Armor vests can only save lives when they are actually worn. Data from the Bureau of Justice Statistics indicate that an increasing percentage of police departments and sheriffs' offices have instituted "mandatory wear" policies. Several factors can affect whether a law enforcement officer will wear an armor vest. Safety concerns are the most significant, followed by whether the officer's department has a mandatory wear policy. Comfort and fit are also a factor.
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