Though the Wisconsin law enforcement bill is on hold for now, we still have an opportunity to pass meaningful pro-police legislation at the federal level. The bill, headed by the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) is called the Protect and Serve Act (H.R. 743). It was reintroduced in the U.S. House of Representatives earlier this month.
You may recall previous attempts to shepherd this bill though the legislative pipeline. Let’s make it a reality this time around.
Why We Need the Protect & Serve Act
The Protect & Serve Act (H.R. 743) is designed, in part, “to punish criminal offenses targeting law enforcement officers.”
The president of the Wisconsin FOP explained to me that,
“While not exactly the same as the FL bill that you proposed, it would allow the Federal authorities to have jurisdiction over ambush attacks on law enforcement under certain circumstances, and provide mandatory minimums and potential life sentences.”
At a time when violence against police officers, including ambush-style attacks, continues to climb, this legislation would act as a strong deterrent. We need preemptive solutions because people who perpetrate crimes -especially those who repeatedly show disrespect for our laws- have been emboldened.
At the precise time when the welfare of perpetrators has been prioritized (innocent victims be damned!), law enforcement’s ability to be effective has waned.
Perpetrators of crime know this, and they take full advantage of it. The Protect & Serve Act would send the message that attacks & ambushes against officers of the law won’t be tolerated. A meaningful bill would also have positive impact on officer morale - which ultimately benefits all of us.
How You Can Help!
Participation is essential. The more of us raising our voices, the greater the chance legislators will listen and act to support this bill.
Here are some things you can do that will make a huge difference.
Read up about the Protect & Serve Act
The FOP’s summary is an excellent place to start learning about the legislation and why we need it.
Sign up for Congressional updates
You can view the actual bill and get status updates (including which legislators are supporting it) at Congress.gov.
If you haven’t already, I recommend signing up for updates. It’s free and easy to set up, and you’ll receive notifications whenever there’s movement on the bill.
To do this, once you’ve registered at Congress.gov, head over to H.R. 743 then click Get Alerts, which you can find at the top (as pictured above).
Contact your federal representatives
With the FOP’s automated form letter -which is customizable- you just enter your name and contact info, press “Send Message” and the letter will be delivered directly to your U.S. Congressional representative.
If you have more time, call your U.S. representative or set up a time to meet. Not sure what to talk about? Once you sign the FOP letter, a page with a script of what to say, will appear. The main point to communicate is that this bill is needed to stop the slaughter of police officers.
Though the bill is still on the House side, it doesn’t hurt to contact your U.S. senators, as well.
Talking points
The opposition will likely be arming their supporters with reasons why this bill shouldn’t pass. So in the coming weeks, I’ll be creating a list of talking points and rebuttals you can use when talking to people about this bill.
Spread the word
The more people on board, the better for our cause. Aside from sharing via email and social media, consider writing a letter to your local newspaper explaining why your U.S. representative should support the Protect & Serve Act.
Optional: Communicate your findings
It doesn’t hurt to let the FOP know that you spoke with or wrote to your member of Congress.
And if you’ve written a letter to the editor that’s been published, can you please send me a link? I’d love to record and share it. You can write to me at fortheblue@substack.com.
More Resources for Police Families
In response to my last post, a reader shared additional resources with me that police families might find helpful. Until I have an opportunity to properly interview these amazing advocates, here are their websites. They’re worth checking out, IMO.
Love and Lightbars (insights from a police wife). Michelle also has a library of recorded live interviews.
Recommendations, Please
I’m looking to expand my knowledge of the U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights, and American Revolution. Aside from loading up on books and articles, I’d like to take a class lead by someone with an in-depth understanding of these events.
Do you know of any such courses? They can be offered online or in-person. I’m not interested in earning credits - I just want to learn.
And I’m still looking to attend conferences, workshops, and other events with a law enforcement or public safety focus that are open to civilians.
Great Insight!
If you haven’t already, I highly recommend checking out Police Law Newsletter for expert analyses and insights on police procedure.
Here’s one of them.
“I do not understand how any educated adult can believe that the combination of: allowing violent criminals out of jail, refusing to involuntarily commit those who are violent and mentally ill, defunding police departments, and making it more difficult for law-abiding citizens to protect themselves - is a recipe for a safer society.”
As always, thanks for taking time out of your day to read my stuff. Please stay safe out there. : )
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.