Progress WAS Made for Cops in 2023

And more of it is coming in 2024!

Thanks to you, we made strides for police officers this past year. Every time you lobby your elected officials for our guardians, share an article or video, or correct a false narrative, you’re making a difference. Amidst the chaos and decay, we’re planting seeds that have the potential to grow into something spectacular.

We also have an arduous road ahead of us. The war on cops, as you know, continues to rage on. Attacks and ambushes of police officers have continued to rise. Some elected officials want to eradicate or diminish qualified immunity protections for police officers. And select district attorneys are more intent on prosecuting police officers than they are violent offenders. In fact, Berkeley Law recently hosted a seminar on how to prosecute cops.

I’m not mentioning this to dissuade you. The fact is that only by acknowledging this mess can we develop meaningful solutions.

Let’s look at what we accomplished this past year, and what we can look forward to moving into 2024.

A Look at 2023

Lobbied for Pro-police Legislation

Last December, I met with Wisconsin State Senator Jesse James and his staffer to discuss a proposed Wisconsin police bill. Modeled on Florida’s Combatting Violence, Disorder and Looting and Law Enforcement Protection Act, my draft includes mandatory jail time for assaulting a police officer.

As a result of this meeting, the Senator’s office drafted legislative language and distributed it to his colleagues for input. Though the Senator was receptive, he deferred it to Senator Van Wanggaard, who I’ve been following up with.

TAKE ACTION! If you live in Wisconsin, please consider calling or sending a polite and factual email to Senator Wanggaard at Sen.Wanggaard@legis.wisconsin.gov, asking him to consider this bill. Feel free to refer to this article when writing or speaking to his staffer.

At the federal level . . .

I actively lobbied for the Protect & Serve Act (H.R. 743) this past year. Though several federal law enforcement bills are on my radar, this one is a priority. If enacted, a new crime category would be created for knowingly assaulting a policing officer. Given the rise in wanton attacks on cops, it’s desperately needed.

This bill has 91 co-sponsors, which means it’s gaining traction. This is happening, in large part, because you’re taking the time to contact your congressperson. Believe it!

If you haven’t already, please consider calling or sending a letter to your congressperson. If short on time, you can send a letter via FOP’s automated system.

Penned Op-eds

Though I fell short of my goal to write at least six op-eds in 2023, I did get a few out, one of which was syndicated to eight separate publications. The other piece was for Independent Women’s Network (IWN).

Published a Free E-book

Defending the Defenders: a citizen’s guide to supporting police officers is a short read with ideas on how concerned citizens can support our guardians. If you’d like your free copy, email me at fortheblue@substack.com and I’ll send you the link and password ASAP.

Created a Video About the Police Staffing Issue

This video on the police staffing crisis went semi-viral, which means a growing number of people now grasp the severity of the situation. Please consider watching and sharing it with others.

Created a Presentation In Partnership With IWN

In collaboration with IWN, this video details how the war on police harms women. Though this presentation was developed for our network, you’re welcome to watch and share it. Madison Chief of Police Mike Koval (retired) is featured in it, so you’re in for a treat!

Accepted a New Role

The National Police Association (NPA) asked if I’d be interested in writing press releases and legislative testimonial briefs for them on a part-time, contractual basis. Though I’m not looking for a career, I accepted their offer. This role provides me with a front-row seat to legislation impacting our police officers. I’m honored, and grateful to NPA for this opportunity.

A Peek at 2024

Expand Partnership With IWN

My friend Christy told me that IWN will be increasing its focus on policing, public safety, and Second Amendment issues in 2024. IWN is comprised of some of the smartest and strongest women I’ve ever met, and they’ve been incredibly supportive of my efforts to draw attention to this issue. This is going to be epic!

Increase Other Meaningful Partnerships

We’re more impactful when we work together, as a team. Aside from partnering with the women of IWN, I’d like to develop relationships with other individuals and organizations that care about cops, in 2024. Though there are a few I’ve identified, I’m open to your suggestions.

Write More Editorials

Getting our message out to audiences across the country is essential. It’s why I’m determined to increase the number of op-eds I write in 2024. If this is something you’d like to participate in, I have some topic suggestions to consider.

Produce More Videos

Given the popularity of the police staffing crisis video, creating more of these is a priority for me in 2024.

Continue to Lobby for Pro-police and -Public Safety Bills

I’ll be active at both the state and federal levels, with plans to testify at select hearings.

Although the Protect & Serve Act is the top priority, there are other bills I’m closely following. A few of these include:

Local Law Enforcement Protection Act protects qualified immunity for state and local police officers via the incentivization of specific federal grants.

Complaints Against Law Enforcement and Correctional Officers is a Florida bill that places the onus for investigating complaints against police officers solely on the State. In part, it would prohibit civilian review boards.

Establishing legislation that adds protection for police officers in my state of Wisconsin.

Honoring Police Officer and K9 Service Act establishes a grant program to help offset the costs of veterinary care of retired police dogs.

Remembering Our Local Heroes Act creates a federal grant program to fund community memorials honoring police officers, as well as firefighters, and U.S. military members.

Do More Live Interviews for This Substack Newsletter

Expect more roundups and journalistic-style articles featuring experts in issues facing law enforcement.

Add a Heroes Column

Most of us already know about the bad stuff happening. My goal in adding this column (actually, it was Steve’s excellent idea!) is to inspire and demonstrate that there is indeed, goodness among us.

Do you know someone in policing who deserves to be publicly acknowledged? It might be someone in a command position (like our beloved Chief Koval) who always refused to politicize the badge. Perhaps you know a rank-and-file officer who exemplifies what it means to be a true servant-leader. Or a citizen who performs kind acts for police officers. If so, please feel free to reach out to me at fortheblue@substack.com.

To my valued readers, your support has meant so much to me. I look forward to seeing what we can do as a team for law enforcement -and by extension, our country- in 2024. And please keep those letters coming, as I read each and every one.

Wishing you the best this coming year. : )

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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.