Protecting Police Dogs; Citizen Lobby Week Updates; an Amazing Police Advocate
And where do YOU fit in?
Prior to meeting a police dog up close and personal, I had a preconceived idea that these four-legged heroes were militant-like, off-limits to head scratches and other forms of affection. I couldn’t have been more wrong.
In many ways, police dogs are much like civilian pups. Individual temperaments aside, the dogs I’ve met (when not working) have generally been playful and affectionate.
Police K-9s are also essential to law enforcement’s mission of keeping our communities safe. Because of their high energy levels, uncanny ability to focus, and superior sense of smell, these dogs have been invaluable in locating missing people, tracking criminal suspects, detecting drugs and explosives, and protecting their human partners. They’re also essential in forging positive relationships with the public.
Police canines develop strong bonds with officers. When one is harmed or killed, it’s often a devastating loss for the dog’s partner, unit, and agency.
Police canines are on the frontlines, in the line of fire. In this environment, the risks they face have grown, similar to the plight of human officers.
A growing number of states -including South Carolina, Kansas, and Colorado- have thankfully responded by introducing bills to provide police K-9s with stronger protections.
In the West Virginia legislature, a bill (H.B. 2628) was recently introduced that would increase the penalties for harming a police dog. It would amend current state law to define a police dog as a law enforcement officer. This means that intentionally harming a K-9 could result in a maximum of 15 years imprisonment, where the current maximum sentence for harming a K-9 is just three years.
If you live in West Virginia, please urge your legislators to support this bill. These animals deserve the best possible protection.
You can read more about this bill, endorsed by the National Police Association, here.
Citizen Lobby Week is Approaching
In the coming weeks I’ll have more details about Citizen Lobby Week, occurring during National Police Week, May 11 through May 17, and how you can participate. This will include a lobby guide so that you and other police supporters can effectively communicate with your legislators.
Our team will be meeting with members of Congress and / or their senior staff members throughout (and before) that week. We’ll be discussing how to shepherd through key legislative bills.
Officers, What Would You Like Federal Legislators to Know?
Is there something you’d like to convey to members of Congress about what it means to be a police officer in this environment or about the struggles you face? If so, please let me know. Your privacy will be respected.
We have a unique opportunity to get policing (and public safety) back on track. Now is the time to speak, while we have government’s collective ear. Now is the time to get critical bills passed. I have full confidence that if enough of us take the time to contact our elected officials, we will succeed.
New to Our Team!
Several new police and / or safety-minded organizations and individuals have joined our coalition for the purpose of supporting law enforcement and advancing public safety. I’ll be telling you more about them in upcoming segments.
For now, I’d love for you to meet Henry Morris, founder of Support our Shields. Henry is an amazing advocate who travels around the country, offering support and hope to police officers, along with a plaque.
Can you please do me a huge favor and show Henry some love on X by following him or offering words of encouragement? Thanks! : )
There are good people in our midst who do good works without expecting glory. Much like our police officers.
All of Us Have Something to Offer
My journey into police advocacy hasn’t always been easy. Given that I have no previous law enforcement background, I’ve had to navigate a steep learning curve. And I’m still learning. Which is a good thing, because continuously seeking knowledge and re-evaluating our perceptions keeps us humble and allows us to grow as human beings.
Though my body of knowledge and understanding of police issues has increased through the years (which tends to happen when you stick with something long enough), I didn’t start out like that. In fact, there have been times during the beginning of this journey, when I didn’t have a clue as to what I was doing.
What I did have was an intuitive belief that police officers were being treated unfairly, and that in their hearts, most have a desire to protect and serve. And that without a solid thin blue line, we’re essentially screwed as a society.
That belief was strong enough to get me to where I am today.
There’s also a place for you to make a difference. You don’t need to be an expert or to be perfect. All you need is a desire to make a positive difference, to find a place where you can use your unique gifts to do good, and follow through. The rest will fall into place, as it did for me.
I’m always here if you’d like to reach out and discuss ideas.
Wishing you the 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.
THANK YOU for the feature FOR THE BLUE. It's an HONOR to be connected with you.
Thank you for driving this initiative!