Police Advocacy in 2024: The Great and the Not So Great

And what comes next?

Let’s start with the great.

Last year at around this time, one of my goals was to greatly expand our advocacy network. Given that shepherding change requires support in numbers, cultivating positive partnerships is critical.

A big part of this plan was realized with the Independent Women’s Network police and public safety advocacy center, launched this past National Police Week. Our network is comprised of more than 40,000 strong women who care deeply about this country and who believe in the values that allow all Americans to thrive. We have the ear of members of Congress and the media, so yes, this is a huge deal.

These types of partnerships have allowed me to connect with other organizations, elected officials, and members of the media for the purpose of advancing law enforcement and public safety.

We launched the new Independent Women police and public safety action center during National Police Week.

It’s doubtful that I would have been able to establish these relationships without this level of help. For that, I remain grateful.

As for the not so great . . .

The 118th Congress Failed Law Enforcement

Not one of the roughly 40 federal bills I’m closely watching made it past committee or received an adequate number of co-sponsors.

The exception was the Protect and Serve Act, which received a combined 139 co-sponsors in the House and Senate, though it was ultimately tabled in the House Judiciary Committee.

The fact that the Protect and Serve Act received as many sponsors as it did is a testament to intense lobbying efforts. Thank you for being a part of this!

The other bills performed much worse. Even with 435 members in the House of Representatives, some bills couldn’t even gain a single co-sponsor. The Regarding Violence Against Law Enforcement Officers Resolution, for example, was a simple resolution (not even a bill) acknowledging that officers are being targeted in record numbers. Yet only two members of Congress signed on.

Here’s a look at how several key bills performed in the 118th Congress.

Dismal numbers!

Even if these bills had little chance of passage, there was no excuse that I can think of for members of Congress -especially those who refer to themselves as law and order Republicans- not to have signed on as co-sponsors. While Democrat policies may have greatly contributed to our current landscape, the Republican response has been lackluster.

State Legislatures Fared a Bit Better

Though Congress failed us, there were some wins for law enforcement in various state legislatures. The following bills were some of those signed into law in 2024.

Florida: Complaints Against Law Enforcement and Correctional Officers (H0601)

It gives the State jurisdiction in processing grievances of law enforcement officers. This means, in part, that local, county, and special government units would be prohibited from investigating complaints against officers and establishing civilian oversight committees.

Louisiana: Create the Crime of Approaching a Law Enforcement Officer Lawfully Engaged in Law Enforcement Duties (HB 173)

This made it a misdemeanor to be within 25 feet of a police officer who is making an arrest or performing other lawful work. It ensures that officers have adequate room to safely make arrests, properly restrain suspects, and perform other official duties.

Pennsylvania: Resolution to Honor Police Officers (Res. 378)

The Pennsylvania House adopted Resolution 378, which honors the state’s police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty in 2022 and 2023. It also acknowledges that officers are courageous, selfless public servants who are vital to upholding laws and keeping communities safe.

Thank a Police Officer

You can, of course, thank police officers any day of the week for their service, and I highly encourage it. National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day is an opportunity, however, for civilians to unite in gratitude for all that police officers do for us. This is especially important as they continue to navigate a tough landscape.

If interested in doing more, the Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS) has some ideas for how to give back to our heroes this Thursday, January 9th.

I also have vetted ideas, which I’ll be sharing in coming months, in preparation for National Police Week in May. Stay tuned. : )

Parting Thoughts

We have a a lot of hard work ahead of us.

Attacks on police officers continue to emerge from every direction. They’re being assaulted and killed in increasing numbers. In fact, it’s now happening, on average, every day.

They’re still tragically taking their own lives in higher numbers than seen in the general public. They’re being wrongfully indicted by rogue prosecutors, unfairly criticized by media outlets, micromanaged via methods like federal consent decrees, and are too often having to labor under poor leadership.

Staffing at police departments across the country continues to hemorrhage. A recent report found that the Baltimore Police Department is down 621 sworn officers. These types of scenarios create stress for officers on the job, prompt agencies to lower their hiring standards, and make it less likely that citizens will receive timely service in their time of need.

We’re in a much better position than we were at this point last year.

That said, I’m feeling energized moving into 2025 and am optimistic about what we can accomplish! Keep in mind, however, that our window of time is short, so we must act expeditiously and strategically.

If we want to strengthen laws, advocate for police officers, and improve public safety, citizen support is crucial. All I ask is that you get involved by lobbying your elected officials when the time is right.

Keep the faith. Know that we’ve got this!

Would you also kindly share my work with those who care about this issue? This newsletter is completely free and my advocacy work is self-funded; and there are no plans for this to change. The more people we can attract to this cause, the greater our successes will be.

Thank you for being part of my network. I wish each of you a safe and joyous year ahead.

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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.