Interior Launches Public Series on Improving Law Enforcement-Community Relations
Bill Clark | Roll Call
The Department of the Interior (DOI) announced earlier this month that it will hold 12 listening sessions through June and July to develop policies and procedures, and ensure supportive resources for officer mental health, wellness, and safety, among the department’s law enforcement programs.
The Law Enforcement Task Force—established by Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland in 2021—will seek public input to inform its work and implement community-focused law enforcement. The task force, led by Deputy Secretary of the Interior Tommy Beaudreau, comprises of law enforcement from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Reclamation, and the Office of Law Enforcement and Security.
“These listening sessions will be critical as the department works to ensure the highest standards for protecting the public and provide policy guidance, resources, and training to our cherished law enforcement officers,” said Deputy Secretary Beaudreau.
The 12 virtual listening sessions are scheduled for the following dates:
Monday, June 13, 2022, from 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. EDT
Wednesday, June 15, 2022, from 9:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m. EDT
Tuesday, June 21, 2022, from 3:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. EDT
Thursday, June 23, 2022, from 12:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. EDT
Saturday, June 25, 2022, from 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. EDT
Monday, June 27, 2022, from 8:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. EDT
Tuesday, June 28, 2022, from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. EDT
Thursday, June 30, 2022, from 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. EDT
Wednesday, July 6, 2022, from 12:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. EDT
Wednesday, July 13, 2022, from 10:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m. EDT
Thursday, July 14, 2022, from 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. EDT
Saturday, July 16, 2022, from 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. EDT
The department is also holding a comment period on the Federal Register to gather feedback on upcoming focus areas, including transparency, building public trust, and ensuring accountability. Interested persons may submit their comments in writing or online by August 2, 2022.