Book excerpt: Trust between law enforcement agencies and the people they protect and serve is essential in a democracy. It is key to the stability of our communi­ties, the integrity of our criminal justice system, and the safe and effective delivery of policing services. In light of events that exposed rifts in the relationships between local police and the communities they protect and serve, President Barack Obama signed an executive order establishing the Task Force on 21st Century Policing. The President charged the task force with identifying best practices and offering recommendations on how policing practices can promote effective crime reduction while building public trust. The recommendations issued by the task force are organised around six main topic areas or "pillars:" Building Trust and Legitimacy, Policy and Oversight, Technology and Social Media, Commu­nity Policing and Crime Reduction, Officer Training and Education, and Officer Safety and Wellness. This book provides an overview of the recommendations of the task force.