April 30, 2025
On April 28, 2025 President Donald J. Trump issued an Executive Order that shifts the national policing agenda away from transparency, accountability, and constitutional policing—principles that have been central to NACOLE’s mission and the broader civilian oversight movement.
Among its most alarming provisions, the “Strengthening and Unleashing America’s Law Enforcement to Pursue Criminals and Protect Innocent Citizens” Order directs the Department of Justice to review and potentially terminate federal consent decrees, out-of-court agreements, and post-judgment orders. These oversight mechanisms were put in place to address systemic misconduct and unconstitutional practices in policing. Their removal threatens to eliminate vital pathways for reform in jurisdictions that have historically struggled with police accountability.
The Order also mandates the use of national security and military assets in local policing operations. This expansion of militarized law enforcement erodes public trust, escalates violence, and deepens the divide between police and the communities they serve—particularly communities of color.
Perhaps most concerning is the Order’s framing of equity-based reforms as “harmful” or “illegal,” and its explicit rejection of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. This rhetoric undermines civil rights protections and attempts to delegitimize the essential work of those advocating for fair and just policing.
NACOLE remains unwavering in its commitment to promoting accountable, constitutional, and community-oriented policing. In response to this Executive Order, NACOLE will:
- Support oversight practitioners working under challenging political threats;
- Issue guidance and model practices that demonstrate the importance of independent oversight, transparency, and equitable policing;
- Monitor the implementation of the Order and engage strategies to challenge provisions that violate civil rights;
- Engage state and federal lawmakers in efforts to protect and preserve oversight mechanisms, including consent decrees, data transparency, and community engagement.
We at NACOLE recognize that this moment brings uncertainty and concern. But it is a time for strength, solidarity, and recommitment to our shared vision for fair and just policing. Oversight professionals, community leaders, and advocates stand together to protect our hard-earned advances in public safety and civil rights.
NACOLE was founded in the belief that independent oversight is not a luxury—it is a necessity for just and democratic policing. We will redouble our efforts to advocate, educate, and support our members in the face of any action that seeks to silence or sideline our work.
With resolve,
Anthony W. Finnell Cameron McEllhiney
President Executive Director