Productive Collaborations; Tabling Events; Legislative Updates; Free Resources
And a key benefit of supporting the police
With so many issues vying for our attention, it can sometimes feel as though law enforcement is an afterthought. What I want you to know is this: that although it may not seem like it, our network is growing. Perhaps not as quickly as say, parental rights groups have coalesced in recent years, but it’s most definitely on the radar. People do care.
Strengthening the blue line and shepherding policies that advance public safety will not happen in a vacuum. We need all hands on deck. This is why working to forge positive relationships and foster productive (solution-oriented) discussions is a priority for me.
One such conversation I recently had was with Meaghan Mobbs and Gianno Caldwell.
Meaghan is the director of Independent Woman’s Center for American Safety and Security, a West Point grad, former combat veteran, and paratrooper, among other accomplishments (her dad is General Keith Kellogg, a frequent guest on Fox). And Gianno is founder of the Caldwell Institute for Public Safety, a prolific speaker, Fox News contributor, author, and the brother of a shooting victim.
Why am I sharing their biographies? Because I want you to see the caliber of the people advocating for public safety and police officers.
I’d love for you to view our conversation in its entirety, but it’s currently open only to Independent Woman members. IWN did publish a snippet on X, which you can watch here.
There are more collaborations like this in the works. Sit tight and keep the faith. : )
Tabling Events
One activity on my radar for 2025 is to host more tables at public events for the purpose of informing people about the plight of officers and our public safety emergency. Independent Woman has agreed to help with printed materials. : )
Can you please let me know of any events that you think would be a good fit for hosting a table?
Legislative Updates
There’s been little-to-no movement on the critical Protect and Serve Act (H.R. 743 / S. 4258) or other key police and public safety bills I’m tracking. Though it’s been a big disappointment to see the level of inaction from our elected officials, I’m looking forward to these bills being re-introduced (and passed!) during the 119th Congress.
Here are two newer bills that have been introduced.
Citizen-Only Police Act of 2024
This federal bill would prohibit law enforcement agencies that employ illegal aliens from receiving Federal funds. It was written in response to the growing number of state bills seeking to allow non-U.S. citizens to apply as police officers. For example,
". . . a newer California law permits illegal immigrants who have been granted temporary asylum or "paroled" by the Department of Homeland Security. This poses a potential security risk. Immigrants aren't always properly screened, so reports on any criminal activity from their countries of origin may not be available. It may also be difficult to determine whether they are linked to cartels that helped them access our borders."
State legislators are writing these bills to compensate for severe police staffing shortages. Perhaps they should have considered that demoralizing police officers isn’t a winning strategy.
Alabama Bill That Enhances Safety for Police Officers and the Public
Alabama HB 58 is a bill that amends the state’s current law by establishing a criminal penalty for failing to answer truthfully when an officer inquires about firearm possession. Under the current law, civilians are already obligated to do this, but because there is no penalty attached, the law is essentially unenforceable. AB 58 would make it a crime punishable by a maximum of one year imprisonment and a fine of $6,000 dollars.
The surge in shootings, assaults, and ambush-style attacks on officers in recent years has caused them to become even more vigilant of their environment. This bill would help reduce the uncertainty associated with police-civilian encounters and help to prevent them from becoming emergencies.
Notables and Free Resources
A few news pieces and resources I thought you might like.
Federal Crime Data
Real Clear Investigations recently published a piece about how federal crime statistics are quietly being revised.
Also feel free to share my own content on this topic.
Free Resource: Threat Status
I recently subscribed to a newsletter from the Washington Times called Threat Status, which I recommend if you’d like to keep updated on foreign and domestic threats.
One such threat, per the WT.
“Foreign jihadist networks like ISIS and Hezbollah, as well as homegrown violent extremists ideologically motivated by these terrorist groups, present security threats to the homeland, . . .”
You can register for free; sign-up is at the bottom of each article.
Free Resource: New Book
The National Police Association recently published a book called The Ten Code. Per NPA,
“The book is not political. It examines the positive attributes that contribute to success as a professional law enforcement officer and suggests anybody can benefit from them.”
You can get a complimentary copy of the e-version!
If you like what you read, would you please consider leaving an Amazon review?
You can read more about the book via its Amazon page.
Interview with Steve Friend
of Courageous Police Leadership recently interviewed retired FBI agent, Steve Friend. It’s worth the watch, IMO. Travis also interviewed my dear friend, Mike Koval, retired chief of the Madison (Wisconsin) Police Department last year. It’s worth watching if you’d like to know what a true police leader looks like.
Action Alert!
Detective Eric DeValkenaere has been in an out-of-state prison for a year now. For doing his job in accordance with the law and his oath. Eric was a decorated detective with the Kansas City (Missouri) Police Department who was indicted and convicted for using justifiable force. My heart breaks for him and his family.
His best chance for freedom now rests with a pardon from Missouri Governor Mike Parson, who is leaving office at the end of this year.
Please take a few moments from your day to call Governor Parson, asking him to pardon Eric. The number is 573-751-3222.
Parting Thoughts
One of the best things about advocating for police officers is that by default, you’re also working to protect the most vulnerable among us. Last week, for example, as Hurricane Milton ravaged Florida, one story that went viral was that of a state trooper rescuing a dog who had been left tied to a fence.
Video footage showed the poor pup standing in muddied water reaching to his belly, growling at the approaching trooper. You can hear the trooper trying to calm the dog, saying It’s ok, buddy, It’s ok and I don’t blame you.
Last I read, the dog, aptly re-named Trooper after the hero that saved him, is in the care of the local humane society. And the suspect has been arrested. There’s not a doubt in my mind that Trooper (and other innocents) would have likely perished if it hadn’t been for law enforcement.
What doesn’t make the news or the rounds on social media, are the thousands of acts of kindness and bravery cops perform on a regular basis, when the cameras are off and nobody’s paying attention.
Police officers protect the forgotten and downtrodden of our society, whether they’re abused and neglected animals, homeless people, women and children being trafficked, or citizens living in crime-ridden communities.
For at least some of these victims, the only kind act they’ll ever experience will be from a police officer.
So know this, when you work to support the police, whether it’s via a kind word, lobbying for a bill, or writing an op-ed, you’re also advocating for those without a voice.
Spread goodness, work towards the truth, and if you believe, remember that God is in control. : )
Best.
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.
Amen, God is in control. I sense the circle is tightening among the patriotic God-fearing defenders of liberty in a great and loving way.