Executive Order on Advancing Effective, Accountable Policing and Criminal Justice Practices to Enhance Public Trust and Public Safety

On May 25, 2022, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. issued Executive Order (EO) 14074 on Advancing Effective, Accountable Policing and Criminal Justice Practices to Enhance Public Trust and Public Safety. One goal of the Order is to increase public trust and enhance public safety and security by encouraging equitable and community-oriented policing. Pursuant to Section 19 of the EO, the Department of Justice is tasked with developing and publishing standards for determining whether an entity is an authorized, independent credentialing body.

The COPS Office, in collaboration with our partners throughout DOJ has taken the lead in developing these standards. In developing the standards, and in accordance with the Order, the COPS Office consulted with professional accreditation organizations, law enforcement organizations, civil rights and community-based organizations, civilian oversight and accountability groups, and other appropriate stakeholders.

On May 25, 2023, the National Accreditation Standards for Independent Law Enforcement Credentialing Bodies were finalized. This page will be regularly updated as the COPS Office continues to work with our partners to implement the standards.