AG Moody Appointed to POTUS Nat'l Law Enforcement Commission

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—During a ceremony today in Washington, D.C., Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody was appointed by U.S. Attorney General William P. Barr to 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 U.S. 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 today’s ceremony as well. Attorney General Moody is the only state attorney general appointed to the Commission.

Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “I am honored to serve on President Trump’s Commission on Law Enforcement and the Administration of Justice to enhance the safety of all Americans. President Trump’s support of our brave law enforcement officers and his commitment to protecting law-abiding Americans is inspiring, and through my service on his Commission, I will work every day to further this worthy mission.

“As a former prosecutor, judge and now as Florida’s Attorney General, I understand uniquely the toll crime takes on families, communities and the taxpayers. As the wife of a law enforcement officer, I know the sacrifices involved when a loved one risks their personal safety to ensure the safety of others. I look forward to working with Attorney General Barr and my fellow Commissioners to identify strategies and innovative solutions to help reduce crime, support our law enforcement officers and protect the American people.”

The Commission is instructed, through President Trump’s Executive Order, 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 U.S. Attorney General Barr and announced today, are urban police chiefs, state prosecutors, county sheriffs, members of rural and tribal law enforcement, federal agents, U.S. Attorneys, and Attorney General Moody—the only state attorney general appointed to the Commission. 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 U.S. Attorney General, who will submit a final report to the President.

Supporting law enforcement, addressing mental health challenges facing the criminal justice system and combating the opioid crisis are top priorities of Attorney General Moody’s administration. Since taking office in 2019, Attorney General Moody has: Conducted a statewide series of round table events focused on mental health and Florida’s criminal justice system; Launched a new comprehensive resource to educate Floridians about the dangers of misusing prescription painkillers and other opioids, such as heroin and fentanyl; Chaired multiple meetings of the new Statewide Task Force on Opioid Abuse in an effort to develop a statewide strategy to identify best practices to combat the opioid epidemic through education, law enforcement efforts, treatment, prevention and recovery; and Created a Back the Blue award to highlight law enforcement officers, citizens and organizations taking extraordinary steps to forge positive relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

For a more comprehensive list of steps taken by Attorney General Moody during her first year in office to reduce crime, enhance public safety and support Florida law enforcement, click here.