Q: What is National Police Week?
A: Since 1962, Americans are called to observe May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day to honor the service and sacrifice of law enforcement personnel and their families, particularly the fallen heroes killed in the line of duty. Congress also authorized the president to designate the week of May 15 as National Police Week. It is the least society can do to honor the legions of police officers, deputy sheriffs, state troopers and school resource officers who run towards danger to protect innocent people from harm. This annual observance helps raise public awareness to recognize the essential mission law enforcement officers provide in service to their communities. Thanks to the valor of our men and women in blue, citizens have peace of mind to go about their daily lives in peace. During this week and every week of the year, I encourage citizens to reflect on the important contributions and sacrifices police officers make, day in and day out, to uphold public safety and pursue justice for victims of crime. Each and every day, police officers leave their loved ones and the safety of their own homes to keep the peace for the rest of us. With uncommon courage, they pin on their badge to go out and patrol neighborhoods, protect schools and enforce laws. Local police serve as the first line of defense for the fundamental right to safety and security in neighborhoods across the country. These brave community leaders have answered the call to serve, embracing the responsibilities of citizenship, putting the burden on their own shoulders to serve and protect the public.
At my annual 99 county meetings, I often hear from local law enforcement departments about challenges they face to recruit, retain and train officers. Communities still are struggling to overcome the misguided “Defund the Police” movement that began in 2020 and undermined confidence in law enforcement, contributing to increased crime in communities across the country, from car-jackings to crime sprees and retail thefts known as smash-and-grabs. Last year I hosted a policy discussion with law enforcement and retail leaders in Cedar Rapids to discuss the murky ties between organized retail crime and illicit drug trafficking. The complex link between organized crime targeting American retailers and enriching Mexican drug cartels who traffic fentanyl into our communities has deadly consequences that’s killing a generation of Americans.
During this Congress, I also joined Sen. Lindsey Graham to reintroduce the Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) Protection Act to target gun theft by increasing the penalties for criminals who steal firearms from federally licensed dealers. Our bill supports licensed businesses and gun owners who follow the law to deter people who steal or attempt to steal firearms. I’ve also pushed to strengthen crime laws to curb violence rising across this country. Our men and women in blue put their lives on the line to stop violent crime. Our nation’s laws need to serve their purpose to deter these crimes from taking place.
Q: How are you working to help boost law enforcement in local communities?
A: I’m teaming up with Sen. Amy Klobuchar to introduce the bipartisan Retired Federal Law Enforcement Officers Continuing Service Act. Our bill recognizes the obstacles many communities are facing to keep officers on the beat, let alone pay for law enforcement specialists, particularly in rural communities. A legion of retired federal law enforcement officers may offer a solution to these unique challenges. Our bill creates a grant program open to state and local law enforcement agencies that would enable them to hire retired federal law enforcement officials to work with and assist their officers. For example, they would be able to help with civilian law enforcement activities and provide training for local police officers to conduct analysis, such as examining surveillance footage and other activities to identify criminal activities and recover stolen property. State and local budgets stretch limited resources to pay for government services, including community policing and law enforcement. Our legislation would help bring extra resources and expertise to local police departments to boost public safety in their communities.
As the lead co-sponsor of bipartisan, bicameral legislation called the Law Enforcement Officer Safety and Wellness Through Data Act, I’m pushing to get this bill through the Senate after its passage in the House of Representatives during National Police Week. It would build on reporting requirements for attacks targeting law enforcement and gather better information about mental health and stress-related, on-the-job experiences to improve resources for police officers. According to the Chief of Police of the Des Moines Police Department, the bill would “move the needle in terms of capabilities, as it will allow immediate access to experience which cannot be taught, and skills that conventional hiring methods simply cannot provide.”
I co-sponsored the Senate Resolution designating May 12 through May 18, 2024 as “National Police Week.” The resolution honors 226 fallen officers who died in 2023, including Officer Kevin Cram of Algona and Officer Phoukham Tran of Des Moines.
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