DHS addresses law enforcement best practices

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials said the agency has formed the Law Enforcement Coordination Council (LECC) to assess varied law enforcement matters — including its law enforcement policies and training.

“Law enforcement is a noble profession,” DHS Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas, who will serve as LECC chairman, said. “Its personnel honorably protect and serve our communities across the country and they do so at great personal risk. DHS is committed to ensuring our law enforcement personnel and our law enforcement partners have the training and tools to execute their mission, including by protecting civil rights, civil liberties, and privacy.”

Mayorkas said the LECC would aid DHS in combating current and future nationwide threats while ensuring the safety of both law enforcement personnel and the community.

The LECC — which is made up of the Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL), Privacy Office and Office of the General Counsel — is charged with evaluating and responding to emerging law enforcement challenges and opportunities, assessing potential policy changes, facilitating information sharing and promoting best practices.

Officials indicated a pair of subcommittees would review Department-wide and component-specific use of force policies as a means of ensuring law enforcement officers and agents continue to execute missions. It would also review law enforcement training techniques and curricula adhering to a set of principles to include a rigorous protection of civil rights and civil liberties to enhance trusted community engagement.