Why did the U.S. government establish various national commissions in the 1960s and early 1970s?

• A. To examine the role of minorities in the criminal justice system
• B. To expand policing powers
• C. To create uniform standards for policing across states
• D. To promote private policing initiatives

Answer: (C)

National commissions in that era were formed to study policing and the criminal justice system and propose reforms that could be implemented across state lines. The aim was to lift policing to a more uniform standard nationwide, through professionalization, standardized training and procedures, accountability, and better coordination among federal, state, and local agencies. That focus on consistency and shared standards across jurisdictions best fits why these commissions were set up. While civil rights concerns and minority treatment were part of the era’s discussion, the primary purpose of the commissions was to create uniform policing standards across states rather than expanding police powers or promoting private policing.