On May 25, 2022, the President signed an Executive Order (EO) requiring all federal law enforcement officers to wear body cameras. The cameras must be activated when executing search warrants and during arrests. The EO requires the agency to promote deescalation and requires employees to intervene with their colleagues who are violating us-of-force policies.

The EO also requires the creation of a database of federal officer misconduct which will be used as part of the screening process when agency hires law enforcement officers. The EO also requires agencies to screen new hires for associations with groups that promote violence and other bias.

The database will be available to the public.  In addition, agencies are required to expedite the release of video to the public when federal investigators are involved in instances that includes death or bodily harm.    

The EO also requires agencies to assess and improve officer wellness programs and update recruiting and retention policies.  There may be additional resources provided to agencies for retention incentives.  FCIA will closely monitor new resources for retention to make sure members are aware of details in retention incentives.

Prior to the issue of the EO, the Department of Justice (DOJ) issued a memorandum to update the DOJ policy on the use-of-force, the first update since 2004.  The policy will take effect on July 19, 2022.  The new policy is available at: https://www.justice.gov/ag/page/file/1507826/download.