How You Can Help Put an End to Ambushes on Cops
Your voice is more powerful than you may think
One of the ways the war on cops has manifested itself is through an increase in ambush-style attacks. In 2021 alone, these deliberate and calculated acts increased 115% over the previous year.
As Americans who value the men and women who stand between us and complete chaos, we need to make it clear that this behavior will no longer be tolerated.
The violence against police officers stops now.
The Protect & Serve Act Can Help Curtail Attacks on Cops
The Protect & Serve Act (H.R. 3079/S.774) was crafted in response to the increase of ambush-style attacks on police officers.
As Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) president, Patrick Yoes said:
“Our members are increasingly under fire by individuals motivated by nothing more than a desire to kill or injure a cop. Law enforcement officers, who serve their communities and put their lives on the line for fellow citizens, should not be hunted and targeted just because of the uniform that they wear.”
If passed, this piece of legislation would impose federal penalties on those who intentionally target police officers with violence.
It was reintroduced in the House this year after a similar bill passed by a 382 to 35 margin three years ago.
Attend FOP’s Day on the Hill 2022
FOP’s annual Day on the Hill (held virtually this year) is a way to interact with members of Congress about pressing issues pertaining to law enforcement.
You can register for the event here.
Though FOP has a number of labor-type issues on their roster, I’m laser-focused on the Protect & Serve Act. If you look at FOP’s Virtual Day on the Hill Briefing Book 2022, page 10 explains most of what you need to know about this piece of legislation. Or you can go directly to this stand-alone document.
The event is being held this Monday, February 7th through Wednesday, February 9th. When you register for Day on the Hill, the organizers will send you a link on Monday morning; it will direct you to where you can join an FOP briefing via Zoom that same day, beginning at 3:00PM EST.
If You Can’t Attend FOP’s Virtual Day on the Hill
Even if you can’t make it this week, you can still lobby your federal representative. That’s our right as Americans.
After this week I should have more information about how we as citizens can approach our legislators about the Protect & Serve Act - which I will share with you.
Until then, you might want to do a little prep work. A few ideas:
Read the FOP’s Virtual Day on the Hill Briefing Book 2022 (page 10), or their stand-alone document to learn more about the Protect & Serve Act.
Check to see if your representatives in either the House or Senate support this bill.
Start clarifying your thoughts so that you’re prepared with solid talking points when you’re ready to speak or write to your congressperson.
I hope you can attend FOP’s Day on the Hill this week. If not, no worries; I will keep you updated on this important piece of legislation and offer ways for you to get involved. You may not believe me when I tell you this, but your voice is more powerful than you may think.
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