Trump Signs Executive Order Creating Federal Database of Police Officers with Excessive Force History

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order creating a federal database of police officers with a history of using excessive force, amidst growing national outcry over police brutality. The order also sets financial incentives for police departments to establish credentialing programs and follow standard "best practices." Trump unveiled the reforms during a noon event in the White House Rose Garden, surrounded by law enforcement officials and family members of people killed by police.

Key Takeaways:

• The executive order, led by Ja'Ron Smith and Jared Kushner, is a modest attempt by Trump to confront a national reckoning over racial inequities and law enforcement.
• The order creates a federal database of police officers with a history of using excessive force, but does not restrict funding to police departments that don't meet federal standards.
• Trump has repeatedly decried the "defund police" rallying cry, but the order does include language acknowledging that some law enforcement officials have misused their authority.
• The measure is also expected to direct the secretary of Health and Human Services to encourage police departments to embed mental health professionals in their response to calls related to mental health, homelessness, and addiction.
• Democrats and Republicans on Capitol Hill are working to advance two competing bills, with the Democratic legislation going further in several respects by banning chokeholds and no-knock warrants.
• The Republican-led Senate's legislative effort is spearheaded by South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, with White House officials coordinating with him.

Statistics:

• The executive order is expected to direct the secretary of Health and Human Services to encourage police departments to embed mental health professionals in their response to calls related to mental health, homelessness, and addiction.
• According to a source briefed on the text of the executive order, it will not restrict funding to police departments that don't meet federal standards.
• The Democratic legislation, proposed in response to the George Floyd killing, would ban chokeholds and no-knock warrants.

Sources:

• Kevin Liptak, CNN (no date provided)
• "President Donald Trump takes his first concrete steps on Tuesday to address growing national outcry over police brutality..." (CNN)