The Bigger Picture; Help Cops Get Easier Access to Tactical Vehicles; Been Impacted by a Rogue Prosecutor?
Plus a city that has re-introduced broken windows policing
There’s a lot of uncertainty in our country right now. It’s disquieting and we have reason to be concerned. Like you, I’ve been sorting through news reports, trying to make sense of the events that have transpired since last Saturday. We may never fully have all the answers we deserve.
What I do know is that we can’t afford to get sidetracked or assume the fetal position. This is precisely the time we need to focus and fight harder than ever for law enforcement, and by extension for our country.
Think bigger picture. Look forward. Work towards shepherding meaningful change. Focus on only that which we can control.
As we’re consumed with the recent news cycle, the threats against our nation from varied sources continue to grow.
The Wall Street Journal published a recent piece about suspected Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea. This story went largely unnoticed.
“U.S. naval forces are operating at a pace not seen since World War II as they try to block threat after threat.”
Plus our borders remain open, which has exposed us to criminal cartels, increased gang activity, and terrorist threats. When asked about suspected terrorist got-aways, FBI director Christopher Wray responded that:
“The group of people that you’re talking about are a source of great concern for us. That’s why we are aggressively using all 56 of our joint terrorism task forces.”
We also inhabit a landscape rife with growing social unrest, with people who are emboldened to commit acts of violence in the name of their ideology.
Police officers are caught in the middle of this growing crossfire
Perhaps now more than at any time in recent history, police departments need to be able to rely on the highest level of tactical tools available.
It’s why I was pleased to see that Rep. Angie Craig (MN-02) introduced a bill called the Protect Local Law Enforcement Act of 2024, (H.R. 8429), which would help eliminate the red tape that police agencies currently must navigate to purchase (and use) tactical vehicles via federal Byrne-JAG grants. H.R. 8429 is currently in the Judiciary Committee and sadly has zero co-sponsors.
Would you kindly urge your congressperson to co-sponsor this critical bill?
I know what you’re probably thinking: Given the current state of our nation, what good will it do to lobby for a bill that has a snowball’s chance of getting passed?
With all due respect, that’s the wrong attitude. Lobbying our elected representatives provides an opportunity to make our voices heard. It’s much more difficult for them to ignore an issue if there’s a rush of support for it from the citizenry. It also helps build congressional support for a bill the next time it’s introduced.
As mentioned in previous installments, I’ve partnered with the bold women of Independent Women’s Network (and Independent Women’s Forum) to establish our police and public safety action center.
One project we’re working on is how the decisions of rogue prosecutors have specifically harmed women.
Perhaps you or someone you know was the victim of a violent crime by a repeat offender who wasn’t adequately prosecuted. Or maybe you can relate to Sarah DeValkenaere, whose young family has been upended because her husband (Eric) was wrongfully prosecuted and convicted for using force in accordance with the law and his training.
If you’ve been adversely affected by a rogue prosecutor, please contact me. We’d love to help tell your story.
If you haven’t been victimized but are knowledgeable about this topic, I’d love to chat. This is a research-heavy project, and expert insights are extremely helpful.
The news is not all bad, and in fact, there are signs that the citizenry is pushing back. In Philadelphia, at least, broken windows policing has made a comeback.
“Credit Democratic Mayor Cherelle Parker and Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel for saying enough,” explains the Wall Street J.
“After taking office this year, Ms. Parker issued an executive order “to permanently shut down all pervasive open-air drug markets” in Kensington. The Philadelphia Police Department began with a “warning and opportunity” window offering vagrants and drug users shelter and treatment. On June 18 the police shifted to enforcing the law.”
Our nation is standing on a precipice. As long as there are people willing to stand tall and do the right thing, we’ll get through it.
Keep the faith. : )
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.