A Letter to President Donald J. Trump
The men and women of law enforcement need you!
A Note For Law Enforcement Supporters
We have roughly two years, possibly less, to get meaningful federal police and public safety legislation passed. Republicans could very well lose the House in the mid-terms, and law enforcement-supporting Democrats can lose their seats. There are no guarantees.
If this happens, the bills we worked so hard to lobby for will be for naught. If those who embrace anti-law and order sentiments (they’re not always obvious in their disdain, either) regain the White House in 2028, you can be certain that oppositional policies will be reinstated.
Yes, I’m more confident than I have been in a long time that we can restore law and order and respect for our nation’s police officers. Yet I see too many people acting nonchalantly, as if we have things in the bag.
Complacency is ill-advised.
Keep in mind that a lot of damage has been done in just a few years, and that restoration will require time and a concerted effort.
That’s why, for the next two years -specifically the next few months- I’m putting everything I have into ensuring that solid police bills are enacted. Because like you, I’m sick of the attacks on law enforcement and the breakdown of law and order.
One of the first actions I took this year was to write a letter to President Trump, which I have already sent. I will also be copying this letter to members of his cabinet, as well as to select U.S. House and Senate members.
If you’re an elected official, I will enthusiastically work with you regardless of your political affiliation, provided you have a genuine desire to support police officers and advance public safety.
Despite our ideological and political differences, most of us value safety and security. In fact, we have a right to life, liberty, and happiness that has been guaranteed to us by our Creator, and as enshrined in the Declaration of Independence. Police officers play a fundamental role in ensuring these rights.
Can we put our differences aside for the purpose of getting meaningful legislation passed? For the good of our nation and in the interest of protecting all Americans.
Best.
Letter to President Donald J. Trump
The following was sent on letterhead to President Trump.
January 21, 2025
The Honorable Donald J. Trump
President of the United States
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, DC 20500
Dear President Trump,
Congratulations on becoming the Forty-Seventh President of the United States! As you’re astutely aware, law enforcement officers are under fire, and the threats are originating from several fronts.
Assaults on police officers, including ambush-style attacks, are burgeoning. Cops are being shot at, stabbed, mowed over with cars, punched, and attacked with chemical weaponry in greater numbers. This past summer, FBI data revealed that assaults on police officers reached a 10-year high in 2023; more than 79,000 officers were attacked last year alone.
Elected officials attempt to limit or eradicate qualified immunity protections for police officers. Democrats introduced the Ending Qualified Immunity Act (S. 1196) in the Senate this past session, and several states, including Colorado and New Mexico, have already passed laws to this effect.
Rogue district attorneys are engaged in wrongful prosecutions of police officers who make good faith mistakes or perform their duties in compliance with the law and their training.
The fallout from this has been disastrous. Law enforcement agencies across the country are experiencing historical staffing storages, prompting some to lower hiring standards and offer five-figure sign-on bonuses to attract applicants. Officers are burned out and feel demoralized, fear retribution for legitimately doing their jobs, and are engaging less in proactive and community policing.
This is a dangerous and unsustainable landscape for police officers. It also impacts the citizenry, especially the most vulnerable among us.
With your leadership and a Republican majority in both chambers, I’m confident we can change this trajectory. This is a concerted effort that will require the enactment of meaningful pro-law enforcement and -public safety legislation.
The following are several key bills introduced in the 118th Congress that I believe are worthy of being reintroduced in the 119th Congress. Please note that this is not a comprehensive list:
· The Protect and Serve Act (H.R. 743 / S. 4258) creates a new federal crime for knowingly targeting a federal, state, or local police officer with violence.
· The Local Law Enforcement Protection Act (H.R 5264) supports qualified immunity protections for local and state officers.
· The Holding Prosecutors Accountable Act (H.R. 6999) prohibits district attorneys who fail to prosecute at least 67% of violent crime arrests from receiving Byrne grants.
· The Safe and Open Streets Act (H.R. 6926 / S. 3492) makes it a federal crime to intentionally block public roads.
None of these (or other) thoughtful bills passed in the 118th Congress, and with the exception of the Protect and Serve Act, they gained little traction, including from the Republican side.
I also ask that you consider preventing the approval of federal Consent Decree agreements between the Department of Justice and local law enforcement agencies. Consent Decrees are costly, demoralize police officers, and are ineffective in combatting crime.
Additionally, please urge a federal criminal probe of district attorneys who weaponize their office and wrongfully indict police officers. The National Police Association has drafted a proposed bill to prevent rogue prosecutors from indicting police officers who use justified force.
Mr. President, as a long-time civilian police advocate, I’ve amassed useful data and have gained valuable insights about the issues facing our nation’s police officers. I’d be honored to share this information with you, and to contribute (on a volunteer basis, of course) in any way you think would advance this issue.
Thank you for your unwavering commitment to public safety and to law enforcement. Our nation is reliant upon well-staffed police departments, and on the men and women who serve their communities with honor and integrity.
With respect,
Paula Fitzsimmons
Founder, For the Blue: Advocacy for rank-and-file police officers
Legislative Director, National Police Association
Personal Contact Information
XXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXX
National Police Association Address
8710 Bash Street #501692
Indianapolis, IN 46250
NationalPolice.org
For the Blue is a solutions-based initiative. I’m just an American patriot asking questions. I don’t work with any political party and I answer to nobody. For me, the health of the nation, due process (including for police officers), the rule of law, and respect for individual liberties, will always transcend party affiliation. I welcome your thoughts, even if you disagree; though personal attacks will be ignored. You can reach me at fortheblue@substack.com.
A very well written letter to President Trump. I heard yesterday that he may be taking executive action on DC Officer Sutton who was prosecuted related to a fatality where the criminal suspect was fleeing. I hope every officer who was acting in good faith is offered reprieve to clear their good names and those who brought shame on the badge and committed criminal acts remain locked up.
Well done :)