21CP works to advance effective, fair, accountable, and constitutional policing by providing its real-world expertise to governmental entities that provide oversight to law enforcement.
21CP has been involved across all aspects and stages of state and federal investigations of law enforcement agencies regarding unlawful patterns and practices. 21CP is also regularly called on to serve as part of independent monitoring teams that help to oversee court-enforceable reforms implemented after an investigation has identified problematic performance or practices.
21CP is also involved in various state and federal efforts focused on policing beyond the investigative context – working with agencies on collaborative reform initiatives and on developing resources and guidance to police departments nationally on best practices.
Examples of our Work
Baltimore. 21CP is overseeing implementation of a federal consent decree involving the Baltimore Police Department (BPD). The Consent Decree requires the Baltimore City Police Department to adopt a number of specific reforms aimed at ensuring effective, safe, and constitutional policing, including comprehensive changes in its policies, procedures, staffing, supervision, data and technology infrastructure, and day-to-day operations. Use of force, bias-free policing, and community policing issues are at the fore of 21CP’s ongoing collaboration with the Department and Baltimore’s diverse communities.
California Department of Justice. The California Department of Justice engaged 21CP to help it conduct an assessment of the Sacramento Police Department’s practices in the wake of community unrest related to high-profile use of force incidents. 21CP provided in-depth, pragmatic recommendations on policies, procedures, and protocols relating to use of force, supervision, misconduct investigations, civilian complaints, officer recruitment and retention, and stop activity.
New York State Attorney General. The New York State Attorney General’s Office has engaged 21CP to provide expertise and advice during a pattern and practice investigation of a local law enforcement agency. 21CP also provides counsel to a division that has the responsibility under state law to review specific instances of officer misconduct.
Cleveland. Several of 21CP’s consultants served on a federal monitoring team overseeing implementation of a consent decree involving the Cleveland Division of Police. That consent decree required changes to the department’s use of force, internal investigation, accountability, stops and detentions, and data practices, among other topics.
State of Vermont. The State of Vermont hired 21CP to oversee an independent investigation of an incident arising in the state’s training academy. As part of the inquiry, 21CP worked with an independent investigator to ensure the quality, comprehensiveness, and timeliness of the investigation. 21CP helped to ensure that the finalized investigation provides insight into opportunities for enhancing the underlying approaches of the state training function.
State of Minnesota. The State of Minnesota hired 21CP to provide a comprehensive assessment of its Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, which investigates officer-involved shootings in the state. 21CP provided detailed recommendations for enhancements in procedures, protocols, and organizational management – all aimed at how to strengthen public confidence and trust in the state’s response to officer-involved shootings.