Principal Deputy Associate Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer delivered remarks at a program commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Justice Department’s Police Reform Statute. He expressed gratitude to the Special Litigation Team for their efforts in creating safer communities and improving police-community relations.

Mizer highlighted the significance of events from 1991, when Rodney King was beaten by four officers, leading to civil unrest in Los Angeles after their acquittal. This incident underscored systemic issues in policing that individual prosecutions could not address.

"The vast majority of police do their difficult, dangerous jobs with honor and integrity," Mizer stated. However, he noted that some agencies suffer from ineffective supervision and poor data collection, which can lead to unchecked constitutional violations.

The passage of Section 12601 in 1994 allowed the Department to investigate over 80 law enforcement agencies for unlawful policing practices. Mizer explained that these investigations aim to improve police departments through detailed reports and remedial measures.

He cited improvements in the Los Angeles Police Department under a consent decree as an example of successful reform efforts. "Use of serious force by police decreased. Serious crime decreased," he said, noting increased community engagement and accountability.

Mizer emphasized the role of independent monitors in ensuring compliance with reforms and mentioned a "knowledge lab" resource hub maintained by the Bureau of Justice Assistance for disseminating effective policing practices.

The event also acknowledged Deputy Assistant Attorney General Robert Moossy for his three decades of service in advancing constitutional policing. Mizer praised Moossy's leadership and contributions to early pattern or practice investigations under Section 12601.

Deputy Assistant Attorney General Robert Moossy was invited to discuss further with current and past Civil Rights Division leaders.