Washington, DC - Patrick Yoes, National President of the Fraternal Order of Police, issued the following statement today:

“When we talk about Federal law enforcement officers, we mean ALL Federal law enforcement officers.  This means special agents, uniformed services like Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Capitol Police, U.S. Park Police, and every officer in Federal service—including civilian law enforcement officers employed by the U.S. Department of Defense. 

“This also includes our Federal corrections officers working for the Bureau of Prisons, all of whom are essential employees.  Our criminal justice system doesn’t end after prosecution and sentencing—we can’t lose sight of the fact that the men and women on the frontline in our Federal penitentiaries and other facilities are also an integral part of our criminal justice system.

“The FOP has been actively engaged with the current Administration and Congress, advocating for all law enforcement officers who have been impacted by Executive Orders and other executive actions.  They are and should be treated as Federal law enforcement officers in every facet of their employment. The FOP’s stance has been consistent and well-documented—correctional officers are a critical part of public safety and should receive the same employment rights and protections as other public safety professionals.”