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    Department of Corrections Adopts Recommendations from Pennsylvania Citizen Law Enforcement Advisory and Review Commission to Increase Accountability for Parole Services

    In collaboration with the CLEAR Commission, DOC will develop an internal affairs/investigation policy for its parole field services.

     

    Governor Shapiro signed an executive order creating the Commission last year, to help ensure Pennsylvanians can be safe and feel safe in their communities.

    January 02, 2025

     

    Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Citizen Law Enforcement Advisory and Review (CLEAR) Commission announced today the ratification of its first Commonwealth law enforcement reports and recommendations – along with the Department of Corrections (DOC) decision to implement the CLEAR Commission’s recommendations following months of close collaboration between DOC and the Commission. As a result of the CLEAR Commission’s work, DOC will develop an Internal Affairs/Investigation policy for Parole Field Services in order to increase accountability for parole services.

    Governor Shapiro established the CLEAR Commission to support public safety and ensure accountability for state law enforcement agencies who work hard to serve Pennsylvanians every day.

    "This Commission has worked tirelessly to review complex investigations and develop thoughtful, thorough reports that will help guide meaningful change," said Commission Chair Christa Caceres. "I am grateful for this Commission’s partnership with Commonwealth Law Enforcement agencies, especially the Department of Corrections (DOC), which has already taken steps to implement the recommendations produced through the Bias-Based Policing Committee.”

    This year, the CLEAR Commission established a Bias-Based Policing Review Committee to review all investigations of racial or ethnic discrimination and other bias-based policing or external complaints of bias or discrimination during interactions with covered agencies’ law enforcement officers. At its most recent meeting, the full Commission ratified the work of the Committee and recommended that the Department of Corrections (DOC) develop an Internal Affairs/Investigation policy for Parole Field Services. DOC is working on implementing the Commission’s recommendations. All reports ratified by the CLEAR Commission, along with responses from covered agencies, are available on OSIG’s website, at www.pa.gov/agencies/osig/what-we-do/clear/reports.

    “As a leader in the field of corrections, the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections is committed to transparency and continuous improvement,” said DOC Secretary Dr. Laurel R. Harry. “We appreciate the Commission’s work and welcome feedback from the communities we serve as we review and update polices and processes that guide our Department.”

    The CLEAR Commission has partnered with multiple Commonwealth agencies to produce reports, receive training, and improve law enforcement. Prior to producing reports, Commissioners received extensive training to prepare them to make law enforcement recommendations. The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), in coordination with the Office of State Inspector General (OSIG), the Governor’s Office of General Counsel (OGC), and the Office of Administration (OA), developed a comprehensive training that included modules on use of force; stop, search and arrest; traffic enforcement; bias-based policing; internal affairs processes; discipline procedures; rules and regulations for law enforcement officers; the Governor’s Code of Conduct; and constitutional law.

    Established within OSIG, which provides administrative support and assistance, the CLEAR Commission is part of Governor Shapiro's commitment to enhancing transparency, accountability, and public safety within law enforcement agencies. The Commission is committed to improving policing practices and enhancing trust with law enforcement agencies under the Governor’s jurisdiction. For more information about the Commission and its work, please visit the Office of State Inspector General's website.

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