Dear Mr. Chairman and Representative Neal,
I am writing on behalf of the members of the Fraternal Order of Police to request that the Committee on Ways and Means waive jurisdiction on H.R. 3269, the “Law Enforcement Innovate to De-Escalate Act,” so that the bill may advance to the House floor for consideration.
Under current law, conducted energy devices—a tool that provides an electric shock aimed at temporarily disrupting muscle functions—and other less-than-lethal devices are categorized as firearms. However, in practice, these devices are very different in both their use and purpose. Firearms are a lethal threat mitigation tool only utilized in the most serious of circumstances, while less-than-lethal technology is designed as a non-lethal threat mitigation tool and is utilized as a much safer alternative. Federal law should recognize the stark difference between less-than-lethal technology and firearms.
The “Law Enforcement Innovate to De-Escalate Act,” will create a new definition for non-lethal intervention tools by establishing the term “less-than-lethal projectile device” in Federal firearms law. These devices, commonly referred to as “Tasers,” are those that are not designed or intended to fire a projectile at a velocity exceeding 500 feet per second and that are “not likely to cause death.”
Law enforcement is investing more and more in training and technology to reduce the number of fatal incidents when apprehending suspects. Conducted energy devices and similar devices are part of these efforts, and redefining these important tools will increase their availability and use in the field.
This measure has already been considered and favorably reported by the Judiciary Committee and if your committee waives jurisdiction, the legislation would be expedited to the House floor for a vote.
On behalf of the more than 373,000 members of the Fraternal Order of Police, I thank you both for considering our request. If I can provide any additional information about this bill, please do not hesitate to contact me or Executive Director Jim Pasco in our Washington, D.C. office.
Sincerely,
Patrick Yoes
National President
cc: Jay Schroeder, President, Missouri State Lodge
Kevin Ahlbrand, National Trustee, Missouri State Lodge
Todd Bramwell, President, Massachusetts State Lodge
Rich Shailor, National Trustee, Massachusetts State Lodge