WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, recently co-introduced bipartisan legislation to gather greater information on attacks targeting law enforcement.
The Improving Law Enforcement Officer Safety and Wellness Through Data Actbuilds on existing reporting requirements and fills gaps highlighted by law enforcement groups to increase our understanding of the circumstances precipitating and involving ambush-style attacks against law enforcement.
“Attacks on our law enforcement officers are abhorrent and we must get a clear picture on when they occur,” said Senator Tillis. “I’m proud to co-introduce this bipartisan legislation so we can improve reporting and continue supporting the men and women in blue to prevent these disgusting acts.”
Police officers feloniously killed in the line of duty spiked 58.7 percent in 2021 over the previous year, marking the deadliest year for law enforcement killings since 1995, with the exception of officers lost during the September 11, 2001, attacks. Nearly 44 percent of police officer killings in 2021 were caused by unprovoked attacks or ambushes on officers. While the government collects basic information on these attacks, such as when the attack occurred and what types of weapons were used, more information is needed to help law enforcement officers prepare for, identify and prevent future anti-police activity.
The Improving Law Enforcement Officer Safety and Wellness Through Data Act increases the categories of information that can be voluntarily reported regarding anti-police attacks, including the intention and coordination of perpetrators. It also directs the Justice Department to explore adding escalatory aggression to its reports. Finally, the bill seeks to shed light on the mental health and stress-related impacts aggressive activity or trauma have on law enforcement, the mental health resources available to assist officers and the extent to which those resources are used.
The bill is endorsed by the National Association of Police Officers and the Fraternal Order of Police.
Text of the Improving Law Enforcement Officer Safety and Wellness Through Data Act is available HERE.
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