§1204. Functions

The functions of the commission shall be to:

(1) Bring together those persons most familiar with problems of law enforcement and the administration of criminal justice, including the disposition and treatment of persons convicted of crime, for the purpose of studying and encouraging the adoption of methods by which law enforcement can be made more effective and justice administered more efficiently and fairly, to the end that citizens may be more fully protected.

(2) Stimulate, promote, and organize citizen participation in the improvements and extension of law enforcement, corrections, rehabilitation, and the work of the courts.

(3) Recommend and assist in improvements with respect to the recruitment and training of law enforcement officers and other law enforcement personnel.

(4) Recommend methods by which cooperation may be furthered between federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.

(5) Assist in planning coordinated programs throughout the state in areas relating to the police, the courts, and corrections.

(6) Encourage public understanding of the responsibilities and problems of law enforcement officers and law enforcement and criminal justice agencies and the development of greater public support for their efforts.

(7) Aid in publicizing and promoting practices in the treatment of criminal offenders which will do most to prevent a return to criminal activity.

(8) Oversee, review, and approve the preparation of the state plan and its implementation.

(9) Approve or deny applications for grants of block funds provided for by the Justice Improvement Act of 1979*, the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974**, and available state funds.

(10) Carry out the objectives of the Justice Improvement Act of 1979*, the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974**, and other federal and state programs which promote the improvement of criminal or juvenile justice as the governor or legislature may direct.

(11) Serve as the central coordinating agency for adult and juvenile correctional systems, in accordance with the requirements of this Chapter.

(12) Establish, implement, and develop a program to award annually a state medal of honor in the name of each law enforcement officer killed that year in the line of duty. The commission shall determine the nature or type of the award, the type of annual ceremony, and the recipient to whom the award is presented, shall gather necessary information from the appropriate state and local law enforcement agencies, procure funding for the program, and do all other things necessary or convenient to carry out the functions, powers, and duties set forth in this Paragraph.

Added by Acts 1976, No. 592, §1. Amended by Acts 1980, No. 753, §1, eff. July 31, 1980; Acts 1986, No. 159, §1; Acts 1997, No. 562, §1.

*See 42 U.S.C.A. §3711 et seq.

**See 18 U.S.C.A. §5031 et seq.}}