WASHINGTON, D.C. - This week, U.S. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) led a group of 16 Republican Senators in reintroducing the Protect and Serve Act, legislation that would create federal penalties for individuals who deliberately target local, state, or federal law enforcement officers with violence.
The Protect and Serve Act has been endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police, National Association of Police Organizations, Sergeants Benevolent Association (NYPD), Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, National Sheriffs Association, North Carolina Association of Chiefs of Police, Major Cities Chiefs Association, and the Major County Sheriffs Association.
Fraternal Order of Police National President Patrick Yoes: "The 'Protect and Serve Act' would impose Federal penalties on individuals who deliberately target local, State or Federal law enforcement officers with violence. These types of attacks, and violence targeting law enforcement officers in general, have been steadily increasing in recent years. In 2020, 314 officers, 47 of whom were killed by gunfire. There were 43 ambush attacks on law enforcement officers, which resulted in 52 officers being shot, 12 of whom were killed. Enough is enough. We need Congress to act to protect our law enforcement officers."
Read the full letter of support here.
National Association of Police Organizations Executive Director Bill Johnson: “The Protect and Serve Act provides important new provisions to combat deliberate, violent attacks on officers. This bill is critical, as there is a serious and growing trend of armed attacks on law enforcement officers. According to a March 2020 Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) report, 87 officers were shot and 14 died in ambushes or premeditated, calculated assaults in 2019, a 33 percent increase from 2018. The National Association of Police Organizations has long been fighting to establish stricter penalties for those who harm law enforcement officers. The increased penalties provided under this bill will make important differences in the attitudes of criminals toward public safety officers and ensure protection for the community. We thank Senator Tillis for championing this legislation and for his support of the law enforcement community.”
Read the full letter of support here.
Sergeants Benevolent Association (NYPD) President Ed Mullins: “This past year was among the most hazardous on record for America’s federal, state, and local law enforcement officers. In addition to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, violent attacks against these brave men and women seemed to reach unprecedented levels in 2020, with officers targeted for nothing more than the badge and uniform they wear. The combined effect of recent efforts to ‘defund the police,’ elected officials who pander to ‘anti-police’ rhetoric, and prosecutors who fail to take action against violent criminals has made our members more vulnerable to heinous and targeted acts of violence. That is why we are grateful for the continued leadership of Sen. Tillis in sponsoring the ‘Protect and Serve Act’ and his commitment to the safety of our nation’s law enforcement heroes.”
Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association National President Larry Cosme: “Law enforcement are often targets of violent crime in their work to halt it. In the last few years, we have seen the frequency and fatality of these crimes against law enforcement increase. It’s imperative officers know those that attack them will be prosecuted. The Protect and Serve Act will bring the full weight of the federal government in to support a law enforcement officer victimized by crime. We appreciate Sen. Tillis for introducing this bill and we look forward to its rapid passage.”
Read the full letter of support here.
National Sheriff’s Association Executive Director and CEO Jonathan Thompson: "Each day the men and women of law enforcement put their lives on the line for their community, and anyone who seeks out and takes the life of somebody who is sworn to protect them, should be severely and appropriately punished. Sworn law enforcement has a duty to protect its citizens across the Country. Senator Tillis has put a spotlight on a critical issue. No one should be exempt from the most severe of punishment for attacking without provocation, and seeking to mame and kill a law enforcement officer. We appreciate all the hard work and support Senator Tillis provides to law enforcement."
North Carolina Association of Chiefs of Police: “The NCACP supports this common sense legislation to add appropriate protections for law enforcement experiencing a rise in unlawful violence against them from some within the public. This legislation gives prosecutors the ability to hold those responsible for harming law enforcement.”
Major Cities Chiefs Association President Chief Art Acevedo: “Police departments across the United States have had far too many officers killed or injured by targeted violent acts. The Protect and Serve Act of 2021 will create a strong deterrent and help our brave members of law enforcement return home safely. We thank Sen. Tillis for his leadership and support for our country's law enforcement officers.”
Read the full letter of support here.
Major County Sheriffs of America President Peter J. Koutoujian: “As we seek to enhance trust between law enforcement and the people we serve, it’s imperative that we all agree that deliberate, targeted acts of violence against officers and deputies have no place in our communities. The Protect and Serve Act will help hold accountable anyone who deliberately carries out such acts of violence.”
Read the full letter of support here.
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