NATIONAL FOP PRESIDENT ON LEGISLATION AND EXECUTIVE ORDERS

In the last few weeks, the Fraternal Order of Police has had numerous positive conversations with the Administration, House Democrats and Republicans, and Members of the Senate.  In all of these efforts, we have been focused on having a fact-based discussion about how to improve policing in our country.  These conversations have been candid and, I believe, productive.

We have reviewed the language of President Trump’s Executive Order and support its goals and methodology.  It strikes a great balance between the vital need for public and officer safety, and the equally vital need for lasting, meaningful, and enforceable police reform.  We have also reviewed several versions of H.R. 7120, the “Justice in Policing Act,” which will be considered by the House Committee on the Judiciary on Wednesday, and provided feedback.  We have had substantial input on legislation that Senator Scott of South Carolina is currently drafting and have been fully engaged on this effort and expect this engagement to continue.  I am disappointed that some of the participants in these conversations are already condemning executive and legislative efforts on police reform.  We are at the beginning of this process—recriminations and obstructions do not help.  Let’s find solutions, not fault.

In our view, President Trump and Congressional leaders are working constructively with law enforcement and community stakeholders to undertake earnest law enforcement reforms that will make our officers and the public they protect safer.  I believe we all share a common goal and we look forward to working with the Administration and Congress in the days and weeks ahead.

The Fraternal Order of Police is the largest law enforcement labor organization in the United States with more than 351,000 members.