Trust between law enforcement agencies and the people they protect and serve is essential in a democracy. It is key to the stability of our communities, the integrity of our criminal justice system and the safe and effective delivery of policing services.

On Dec. 18, 2014, President Barack Obama signed an executive order establishing the Task Force on 21st Century Policing. The president charged the task force with identifying best practices and offering recommendations on how policing practices can promote effective crime reduction while building public trust.

Six pillars

The Task Force on 21st Century Policing recommendations, each with action items, are organized around six main topic areas or “pillars.” The six pillars are:

• Pillar 1 — Building trust and legitimacy
• Pillar 2 — Policy and oversight
• Pillar 3 — Technology and social media
• Pillar 4 — Community policing and crime reduction
• Pillar 5 — Officer training and education
• Pillar 6 — Officer safety and wellness

Click on the pillars below to learn more and to see how the St. Louis Park Police Department is working to improve and achieve each of them.