AG Cameron launches statewide Search Warrant Task Force

January 25, 2021 | 12:06 am

Updated January 24, 2021 | 9:46 pm

Graphic by Owensboro Times

Task force will conduct a review of Kentucky’s search warrant process

Attorney General Daniel Cameron recently announced the formation of the AG’s Search Warrant Task Force to examine the process for securing, reviewing, and executing search warrants in Kentucky. 

Search warrants have received significant attention following the death of Breonna Taylor, who was shot and killed by police during the execution of a search warrant at her home.

“We made a promise to Kentuckians that questions and concerns raised about search warrants would be thoroughly considered, and today we’re delivering on that promise by launching the Search Warrant Task Force,”Cameron said in a release. “We’ve assembled a group representing every aspect of the search warrant process to conduct a top-to-bottom review and provide recommendations.”

In reviewing the search warrant process, the task force will be asked to consider law enforcement’s role in advancing public safety along with the personal protections guaranteed to citizens by the constitutions of the United States and the Commonwealth. 

The task force will be chaired by the Attorney General’s Office and will consist of the following members:

  • Two representatives of the Kentucky Court of Justice appointed by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Kentucky;
  • The Chairs of the Judiciary Committees of the Kentucky House of Representatives and the Kentucky Senate;
  • One person appointed by the Fraternal Order of Police of Kentucky;
  • One person appointed by the Kentucky Sheriff’s Association;
  • One person appointed by the Kentucky Association of Chiefs of Police;
  • The Commissioner of the Kentucky State Police or his designee;
  • One person appointed by the Kentucky Commonwealth’s Attorneys’ Association;
  • One person appointed by the Kentucky County Attorney’s Association;
  • The Public Advocate or his designee;
  • One person appointed by the Kentucky League of Cities;
  • One person appointed by the Kentucky Association of Counties;
  • One person appointed by the Kentucky Conference of the NAACP;
  • The Commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training or his designee; and
  • Three citizens representing the Commonwealth at large appointed by the Attorney General.

Each organization has been asked to submit the name(s) of those who will serve on the task force no later than Feb. 5.

The task force will convene as often as necessary to examine the search warrant process, solicit public input, and develop recommendations. Meetings will be accessible to the public, consistent with current COVID-19 health guidelines. The task force is expected to conclude its work no later than Dec. 31. The first meeting of the task force will be set in the coming weeks.

January 25, 2021 | 12:06 am

Share this Article

Other articles you may like