Wickersham Commission

Definition

The Wickersham Commission was a landmark investigation into the American criminal justice system, established by President Herbert Hoover in 1929. It aimed to examine the issues surrounding law enforcement and the effectiveness of policing, highlighting the need for reform in response to widespread corruption and inefficiency. Its findings and recommendations would significantly influence policing practices and criminal justice reforms in the United States.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Wickersham Commission was officially known as the National Commission on Law Observance and Enforcement and was led by former U.S. Attorney General George Wickersham.
2. The commission's final report, released in 1931, highlighted issues such as police brutality, lack of training, and inadequate supervision within law enforcement agencies.
3. It was one of the first comprehensive studies of law enforcement practices in the United States and laid the groundwork for future police reform movements.
4. One of the key findings was that Prohibition had exacerbated corruption among law enforcement officers, leading to a decline in public trust.
5. The commission's recommendations included establishing better training programs for police officers, improving recruitment processes, and advocating for stricter oversight of police conduct.

Review Questions

• What were the main findings of the Wickersham Commission regarding law enforcement practices in the United States?
  • The Wickersham Commission found significant problems within law enforcement practices, including widespread corruption, police brutality, inadequate training, and lack of proper supervision. These findings revealed that many police departments were failing to uphold justice and maintain public trust. The commission emphasized that these issues were exacerbated by Prohibition, which fostered an environment ripe for corruption among law enforcement personnel.
• In what ways did the Wickersham Commission influence future police reforms in the United States?
  • The Wickersham Commission's findings were pivotal in shaping future police reforms by bringing attention to critical issues within law enforcement. Its recommendations laid the groundwork for changes such as improved officer training programs, recruitment standards, and enhanced accountability measures. The commission also sparked national conversations about the role of police in society and the need for greater transparency, influencing policies that would emerge in later decades.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of the Wickersham Commission's recommendations on modern policing practices in America.
  • The Wickersham Commission's recommendations had a profound long-term impact on modern policing practices in America by emphasizing the importance of ethics, accountability, and community relations. Its call for improved training and oversight has led to ongoing efforts to professionalize policing, including the establishment of standards by organizations like the International Association of Chiefs of Police. Additionally, its legacy can be seen in current discussions surrounding police reform movements today, highlighting a continuous struggle to address issues of misconduct and restore public trust in law enforcement.

Related terms

Prohibition: The nationwide ban on the production, importation, transportation, and sale of alcoholic beverages in the United States from 1920 to 1933, which led to increased crime and corruption among law enforcement.

National Commission on Law Observance and Enforcement: The formal name of the Wickersham Commission, which was tasked with studying law enforcement practices and suggesting reforms to improve police integrity and effectiveness.

Police Reform: Efforts aimed at changing policies and practices within police departments to improve accountability, transparency, and community relations.