Making Connections for Law Enforcement in D.C.
And developing an even deeper respect for cops along the way
It started to feel like my law enforcement advocacy had reached a plateau. It’s one thing to have good ideas, a plan, and be dedicated to your issue; but if you’re not reaching the right decision makers, that vision will eventually evaporate.
Meeting people in person, shaking their hands, looking into their eyes, and exchanging niceties can sometimes more effectively advance your cause than blasting out dozens of well-crafted letters.
This type of opportunity transpired for me last week in Washington, D.C..
Networking in D.C. to Advance Law Enforcement
I went to D.C. with these goals in mind.
Meet decision makers for the purpose of advancing law & order legislation.
Make influencers aware of the issues facing police officers.
Partner with other citizen advocates to advance this advocacy.
Promote For the Blue.
With only three days to spend in D.C., I wasn’t sure how much I’d be able to pack in. The trip, however, exceeded my expectations.
Meeting Influencers
It’s not often you get to meet and capture the attention of members of Congress, major media personalities, thought leaders, business moguls, and freedom-loving Americans in one setting. Last week, I had this very opportunity at the Independent Women’s Network Annual Awards Gala.
When you’re an advocate trying to network with people who could help advance your cause, being part of a brain trust like this is manna from heaven.
Some highlights of what I was able to accomplish:
Spoke to elected officials about shepherding law & order legislation
One of the bills I’m advocating for would make assaulting a police officer punishable with a mandatory prison sentence - similar to the bill Florida’s governor Ron DeSantis signed into law in 2020.
One Wisconsin senator I chatted with offered to put me in touch with a colleague most likely to draft such a bill. You know, I’ve been trying for a year to reach potential bill sponsors at the state level - and just like that, I now have a contact.
Met with other women about advancing the cause of law enforcement
As a whole, women are more vulnerable to certain types of violent crime, and thus benefit from having a solid police presence. We should be at the forefront, demanding that police departments are adequately funded and that the justice system not be treated as a revolving door.
I look forward to working with other IWF women to draft pro-police legislation. Our collective voice will have more impact than if I were to do this solo.
Mingled with members of major media
I made contacts, planted seeds, and now have an in-road that I hadn’t before.
The National Law Enforcement Museum
The day after the gala, I visited the National Law Enforcement Museum to check out the exhibits and Memorial, and to meet Marcia Ferranto, NLEOMF’s CEO. I’ve spoken to Marcia on the phone and via email, but so wanted to have a live meeting.
Though Marcia wasn’t available the day I was there, I did make connections with several police officers (retired and current), as well as a woman who does advocacy work for her police department in Texas.
People care, and they’re deeply concerned about the trajectory that law enforcement (and this nation) is on. And because of this trip I was able to connect with some of them.
Even More Respect for Police
I didn’t think it possible, but I have an even deeper respect for what police officers do, courtesy of a trip to the National Law Enforcement Museum. This space is filled with interactive displays and artifacts providing an in-depth look at police history and current police culture. If you happen to be in D.C., visiting it is a must.
The most enlightening part for me were the two simulators that allow you to be placed in the position of a police officer.
One replicates driving a patrol car, and let me tell you, it’s much tougher than it looks. You have to simultaneously navigate the road, communicate with the dispatcher, and manage the computer screen; then be able to switch gears in a moment’s notice to respond to an emergency. And you have to do this without panicking and crashing your car into another vehicle. Like I did.
The second simulator offers a number of real-life scenarios, including an active shooter situation that feels incredibly real. You’ve encountered a suspect who may or may not be holding a gun, but who has already killed two people, is threatening to hurt more, and who is advancing towards you. What would you or I do in that situation?
These scenarios were just for pretend. Police officers have to make these type of life-altering decisions on a regular basis in real-time.
Maybe it was the day I was visiting, but there weren’t a lot of visitors; and those who did attend seemed to be cops, retired cops, or have a connection to law enforcement. What a shame.
Blessed to Live in the United States of America
During my cab ride to Reagan to catch my flight back home, I was chatting with my driver, an immigrant from Ethiopia. He said this to me:
That the U.S. is the greatest nation in the world, that he feels fortunate to live here, and that most Americans don’t realize how good they have it.
He’s right, you know.
It’s true that our nation’s founders were imperfect men who were products of their time. And yes, our history is indeed complex and has withstood periods of darkness. Heck, there was a time when I wouldn’t have been allowed to vote!
Yet look how far we’ve come since then - and how much more we have yet to accomplish.
We live in a country also comprised of goodness and exceptionalism, and that actively pursues progress. We’re able to learn from our mistakes and make changes where necessary.
I love this country, and it’s why I advocate for police officers. Without a solid blue line, we won’t be able to thrive, let alone survive.
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.