Good News for Policing

Legislation to protect police officers

This past week, I met with a Wisconsin state representative to discuss a couple of pro-police bills I’d been working on. I’d like to tell you about one of these - it’s similar to Florida’s Combatting Violence, Disorder and Looting and Law Enforcement Protection Act.

Do you have thoughts or ideas on this topic? The comments section is open.

About the Proposed Legislation

Ever since learning about the Combatting Violence, Disorder and Looting and Law Enforcement Protection Act that Florida’s governor Ron DeSantis signed into law in 2021, I’ve been intrigued. The bill was drafted as a preemptive response to the riots that were occurring across the country in 2020.

The law protects our cherished first amendment, while increasing penalties for those who break the law during demonstrations - including for attacks against police officers.

It’s supported by the Florida Sheriffs Association, the Florida Police Chiefs Association, and about 900 Florida police leaders. It’s a comprehensive piece of legislation with a lot of moving parts.

Here’s one of the components of the Law & Order Act I’m most interested in replicating here in Wisconsin:

Mandatory Minimum Jail Sentence:
Striking a law enforcement officer (including with a projectile) during a violent or disorderly assembly = 6 months mandatory minimum jail sentence.”

Note that there are still a lot of details to work out and the Florida legislation is but a template.

Why Mandatory Sentencing for Assaulting a Police Officer is Needed

Assaults and ambushes on cops continue to rise.

As of October this year, 281 U.S. police officers have been shot in the line a duty, representing a 1% increase from the same period in 2021 and 11% from 2020.

This year there have also been 71 ambush-style attacks, resulting in 104 officers shot and 27 killed.

In all of 2021, there were 130 separate ambush-style attacks on police officers, a 115% increase from 2020.

While we currently have laws that make it illegal to assault or ambush police officers, the problem is that sentencing is not compulsory. Plus charges can be dropped based on the politics or whims of a given district attorney’s office.

One example: The MacIver Institute reported that during the 2020 riots that played out in Madison’s downtown area, crimes against police officers were “generally ignored.”

As they explain,

“One person threw a flaming gas canister at police, but that charge was dismissed. Longtime protester, (XXX), was arrested for making terrorist threats against the sheriff, but those charges were also dismissed. One individual swerved his car towards police officers making an arrest, but he was acquitted by a jury of his Dane County peers.”

What This Bill Would Accomplish

Make Sentencing Mandatory for Assaulting a Police Officer During a Demonstration

Universal sentencing would make it impossible for district attorneys to drop charges and for judges to impose overly-lenient sentences for serious crimes. So had this bill been in place during the 2020 riots, the cases above wouldn’t have been so easily dismissed.

Support Police Officers and Improve Morale

Low morale has damaged police staffing, impacted proactive policing, and caused cops to second guess themselves. While this law wouldn’t be a panacea, it would show police officers that their government and the people have their backs.

Act as a Deterrent

It would send a message to would-be attackers that assaulting police officers won’t be tolerated. One of the reasons crime has surged, IMO, is because offenders know they won’t be held accountable.

Does This Bill Have a Chance of Passing?

Given the current political landscape of Wisconsin government, I didn’t think this representative (who was elected to the Senate a few weeks ago) would even be interested in pursuing it. He is however, and I’m currently working on the next steps.

Do I think the bill will pass with our current political landscape? Though it’s unlikely at this point in time that the governor would sign a bill like this, it’s not impossible - especially if the citizenry speaks up to support it!

Even if it doesn’t pass right now, we have to start somewhere. It’s taken years for other bills to pass after being reintroduced multiple times.

Let’s Get a Law & Order Bill Passed in Other States

Whether or not this bill gains traction in Wisconsin, I’d like to see other states consider it. A similar bill was introduced in Mississippi but it died in committee.

If you’re interested in seeing this transpire in your own state, I’m here to offer guidance and support. Even if you’re a lone advocate, you have more power than you may think.

Changing the trajectory that policing (and this nation) is on will take time. This is a marathon, not a sprint and there are no easy fixes. This bill is just one way to start turning the tide.

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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.