Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey was appointed today by President Obama as cochairman of a new task force created to reduce crime and build public trust as the nation continues mourning the death of black teenager Michael Brown, who was shot by a white police officer in Ferguson.

“Recent events in Ferguson, Missouri and around the country have highlighted the importance of strong, collaborative relationships between local police and the communities they protect,” reads a press release issued today by the White House. “Trust between law enforcement agencies and the people they protect and serve is essential to the stability of our communities, the integrity of our criminal justice system, and the safe and effective delivery of policing services.”

Commissioner Ramsey, who also serves as President of the Major Cities Chiefs Police Association, will co-chair the “Task Force on 21st Century Policing” along with Laurie Robinson, professor at George Mason University and former Assistant Attorney General for DOJ’s Office of Justice Programs.  

The White House also announced a “Community Policing Initiative”, that includes a proposed three-year $263 million investment package to increase use of body-worn cameras among law enforcement officials. 

A proposed $75 million would be used to purchase 50,000 body worn cameras by matching a 50 percent to states and localities who decide to adopt this technology or expand its use. 

The remaining funds would be used for training, police department reform, and to expand the number of cities where the Department of Justice facilitates engagement between law enforcement agencies and the community. 

In August, President Obama ordered a review of federal funding and programs that provide equipment to state and local law enforcement agencies. 

The report released today found a lack of consistency in how federal programs are structured, implemented and audited.

The President will be signing an executive order directing different agencies to work together and with law enforcement and civil rights and civil liberties organizations to develop specific recommendations within 120 days.  

The task force led by Ramsey and Robinson was also instructed to prepare a report with recommendations within 90 days.