The Wickersham Commission is best known for which contribution?

• A. Publishing a local police reform report.
• B. Published the first national study of the U.S. criminal justice system, in 1931.
• C. Establishing the FBI.
• D. Recommending privatizing policing.

Answer: (B)

The key idea here is recognizing the lasting impact of the Wickersham Commission on how we understand the U.S. criminal justice system. Appointed by President Hoover in 1929 to study law observance and enforcement, it is best known for publishing the first comprehensive, nationwide study of policing, the courts, and corrections in 1931. This milestone report brought together data from across the country, highlighting how the entire criminal justice process operated, where reforms were needed, and the challenges of enforcing Prohibition. Its findings spurred reform efforts aimed at professionalizing police work, improving court administration, and strengthening probation and parole systems. The other options don’t fit because the Commission didn’t produce a local reform report, didn’t establish the FBI, and didn’t advocate privatizing policing.