Police Bill Update + Police Families + Ways to Help
Includes resources and recommendations
The bad news is that it continues to be a tough time to be a police officer. The good news is that there are organizations and people making a difference and who care. Including you!
The truth is, each of us has the power to turn this ship around. I hope you find some of the following helpful in your quest to create positive change for law enforcement. : )
Meaningful Ways to Support Law Enforcement
Thanks to those of you who responded to my What’s On Your Mind? post. One thing I heard is that you’d like to find tangible ways to support police officers.
I know what it feels like to want to make a difference but to have no clue where or how to start. Or to reach out and offer help, only to be met with blank stares or a donation request. Been there many times.
Please know that I’m working on meaningful ways for you to get more involved.
In the meantime, here’s an idea you can implement now.
Create a law enforcement license plate program in your state if it already doesn’t have one.
When police officers fall in the line of duty, their families are grappling with financial strain along with stifling grief. Though they usually receive death benefits through their place of employment, those can take time. Funds generated by a law enforcement license plate program help fill that gap.
Here are details (including step-by-step instructions) on how we got this done in Wisconsin - and how you can, too. Please reach me at fortheblue@substack.com if you’d like guidance and support.
Support for Police Families
It’s not just police officers who are going through a difficult period right now. Their families and loved ones are hurting, too.
Thankfully, there are organizations who understand the unique challenges of the police family. One of these is How 2 Love Our Cops.
The founder kindly agreed to be interviewed for a future post or podcast. Given our mutually hectic schedules, this won’t happen until this summer.
Until then, if your loved one is a police officer and you’re struggling, I recommend checking out their site - they have a ton of resources tailored just for you.
Update on Wisconsin Law Enforcement Bill
The law enforcement proposal I drafted is having some difficulty gaining traction, despite full support from a major policing organization with lobbyists.
Legislators are hesitant to draft a bill that includes mandatory sentencing and new crimes. It also seems the Memphis incident and start of a new legislative session are factors.
Resistance was fully expected. We’re running a marathon, not a sprint, and a bill like this will take time to take hold. I’m not giving up, though.
Until then, I’ll be working to promote a federal law enforcement bill that has the potential to save police officers lives. Once I get word back from the police organization heading this up on how we can all help, I’ll let you know.
Exceptional Police Leaders
At a time when fearless police leadership is needed more than ever, it’s severely lacking. Weak police leadership impacts a city’s quality of life, and it’s a huge source of poor morale for rank-and-file police officers.
To learn more about this topic, you might like my Weak Police Chiefs article, which includes an interview with Travis Yates, author of The Courageous Police Leader. Travis also has a new Substack newsletter and podcast worth checking out. (I also have other recommendations of policing experts on Substack to read).
Travis is interviewing my dear friend, retired Chief Mike Koval next week. Aside from epitomizing strong police leadership, the Chief is also a genuinely decent and kind human being. The interview is going to be epic and I can’t wait for you to watch it.
Are There Any Events You Can Recommend?
Networking is one of the most effective ways to advocate for an issue. With that in mind, I’m looking for events where I can connect with people who care about the current state of policing.
If you know of any such events open to civilians, would you kindly let me know, either in the comments below or at fortheblue@substack.com? Thanks!
I hope you found this post helpful, and that you have an amazing rest of the weekend and week ahead.
Stay safe. : )
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.