HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections (DOC) is taking groundbreaking steps to increase accountability and rebuild public trust by adopting key recommendations from the Citizen Law Enforcement Advisory and Review (CLEAR) Commission. This bold collaboration marks a commitment to creating more transparent and equitable law enforcement practices, particularly within parole services—a critical area impacting the safety of Pennsylvania’s communities.
Governor Josh Shapiro paved the way for these reforms by establishing the CLEAR Commission through executive order last year. The Commission, tasked with holding state law enforcement agencies accountable, wasted no time in making an impact. Its first major act was forming the Bias-Based Policing Review Committee to investigate racial or ethnic bias and discrimination within law enforcement operations. After months of rigorous review, the Commission recommended that DOC develop a formal internal affairs and investigation policy for its parole field services. DOC is now moving to implement these changes.
“This Commission has worked tirelessly to review complex investigations and develop thoughtful, thorough reports that will help guide meaningful change,” said Christa Caceres, Chair of the CLEAR Commission. By ratifying these recommendations and seeing DOC step up to take action, the Commission is setting a serious precedent for accountability.
Why This Matters for Public Safety
Parole services are a vital link between incarcerated individuals and reentry into society, and they require strict oversight to earn the public’s trust. Allegations of bias or misconduct within parole operations can tear at the fabric of communities, undermining safety and fairness. That’s why creating a robust internal affairs policy is more than a bureaucratic adjustment—it’s a necessary response to mounting public demand for reform and transparency in state law enforcement.
DOC Secretary Dr. Laurel R. Harry underscored the department’s commitment to improvement, saying, “As a leader in the field of corrections, the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections is committed to transparency and continuous improvement. We appreciate the Commission’s work and welcome feedback from the communities we serve as we review and update policies and processes that guide our Department.”
CLEAR Commission’s Influence on Law Enforcement Accountability
The CLEAR Commission is more than an advisory body—it’s a game changer in Pennsylvania’s approach to law enforcement reform. Working hand-in-hand with agencies like the DOC, CLEAR is reshaping how the state addresses complaints of bias, misconduct, or discrimination. Before drafting its current recommendations, the Commission partnered with multiple agencies, receiving comprehensive training on everything from use of force and traffic enforcement to constitutional law and internal affairs processes.
The Commission’s commitment to collaboration and community involvement sets it apart. Far from operating in isolation, CLEAR draws on expertise from law enforcement professionals, legal scholars, and community voices to ensure its recommendations are nuanced and action-oriented. Each report the Commission ratifies, along with agency responses, is made publicly accessible, enhancing its transparency.
The Bigger Picture
Governor Shapiro’s creation of the CLEAR Commission is part of a larger agenda to restore faith in public institutions while prioritizing public safety. It also reflects a broader reckoning within law enforcement nationwide. These reforms are not about antagonizing corrections or law enforcement personnel—they are about ensuring the systems in place reflect the values of fairness, equality, and justice.
Implementing internal affairs policies is more than a procedural shift—it’s an acknowledgment that without accountability, there can be no trust between the public and the agencies charged with protecting them. Pennsylvania is setting a precedent for other states grappling with similar challenges, demonstrating that proactive reforms are not just possible but necessary.
What Comes Next
The DOC’s adoption of CLEAR’s recommendations is just the beginning. With parole services under the microscope, communities will be watching to ensure these policies are not only enacted but meaningfully enforced. The broader goal is straightforward and bold—make Pennsylvania’s law enforcement not only effective but equitable and trustworthy.
These changes remind Pennsylvanians that progress is possible when government, law enforcement, and community advocates work together. While the road ahead may involve challenges, this is a moment of significant promise for the state. By addressing bias, increasing accountability, and fostering transparency, Pennsylvania is shaping a future where safety and fairness go hand in hand.
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