The Biden administration has announced an update on its national database tracking law enforcement officers accused of misconduct. The National Law Enforcement Accountability Database (NLEAD) was created in response to the 2020 George Floyd riots as part of the administration’s efforts to advance effective and accountable policing.
According to a White House press release, the database is a tool used by police departments to ensure that they are not hiring employees with questionable backgrounds and troubling work histories. The database is operational and searchable by federal law enforcement agencies, allowing them to hire or promote the best personnel while avoiding candidates with disqualifying histories.
The administration has highlighted the effectiveness of NLEAD in improving transparency and enhancing police departments nationwide. Since its implementation, the database has recorded thousands of incidents of police misconduct, including over 4,300 past and present federal officers. As of last month, every federal agency that employs law enforcement officers has reported into NLEAD, with 5,300 records covering misconduct incidents over the last seven years.
The database has already been used by federal agencies to conduct thousands of checks to identify potential misconduct before making critical decisions about hiring, promotions, and officer work assignments. With over 150,000 law enforcement officers across the federal government, NLEAD is a crucial tool in promoting accountability and safety in communities nationwide.
The Biden-Harris administration has emphasized its commitment to advancing effective and accountable policing, and NLEAD is seen as a key component of this effort. The administration has highlighted the importance of transparency and accountability in law enforcement, and the database is a significant step towards achieving these goals.
