On November 28, 2014, the UN Committee Against Torture (the Committee) released its observations on the U.S. periodic report to the Committee.  The Committee commended the U.S. on several aspects of the report, including “the efforts of the State party to amend its policies, programmes and administrative measures to give effect to the Convention [Against Torture and] the Promulgation of the National Standards to Prevent, Detect, and Respond to Sexual Abuse in Confinement Facilities.”  However, the Committee also criticized several state practices, including the continued operation and activities of the Guantanamo Bay detention facility and the use of force by police officers.  Regarding the latter concern, the Committee urged the U.S. to “ensure that all instances of police brutality and excessive use of force by law enforcement officers are investigated promptly, effectively and impartially by an independent mechanism.”