Where in the laws under which DOJ exists do they have authority to dictate how a local police department must operate?? (I speak from a lack of knowledge - but am curious)
Consider that more and more large departments are being placed under a consent decree...placing the DOJ over them. It is imperative that the DOJ find widespread problems...eventually...voila!! Local and state depts will be supervised by federal guidelines...officers will have to go to federal mandated training...etc...