Dear Representatives,
I am writing on behalf of the members of the Fraternal Order of Police to ask all of you, as members of the Arkansas Congressional delegation, to support HR 1325, the “Protect and Serve Act.” Last year, this same bill was passed unanimously by the Committee on the Judiciary and then passed the House on an overwhelming 382-35 vote. All of you voted for the legislation, which has now been re-introduced by a bipartisan group of former law enforcement officers. The bill would impose Federal penalties on individuals who deliberately target local, State or Federal law enforcement officers with violence.
On Sunday, Officer Stephen Carr of the Fayetteville Police Department was “ambushed and executed” as he sat in his patrol vehicle in the department’s parking lot while waiting for his partner. There is no known motive at this time, but we know that targeted attacks on law enforcement officer have increased. Many of these killers, like the murderer of Officer Carr, do not expect to survive the incident.
A recent report from the Federal Bureau oflnvestigations concluded: “While the overall number of officers who were feloniously killed was declining, the percentage of officers feloniously killed during surprise attacks was increasing.” It is imperative that Congress shine a light on the growing threat officers face from ambush attacks carried out by individuals motivated to hurt and kill law enforcement officers. To do this, we are asking you to please cosponsor H.R 1325, the “Protect and Serve Act.”
In July of this year, Stone County Sheriffs deputy Sergeant Mike Stephen responded to a domestic welfare check and was speaking with a young lady when he suddenly came under fire from within the home. He was shot without warning and died from his injuries.
Both of the law enforcement officers killed this year in Arkansas were murdered in ambush situations. We need Congress to act and we are asking that you, as the Representatives from the great State of Arkansas, to cosponsor HR 1325 and help us get this measure through the Judiciary Committee and then to the House floor again.
On behalf of the more than 349,000 members of the Fraternal Order of Police, thank you for considering our request and, ifl can provide any additional support for this bill or on any other matter, please do not hesitate to contact me or Executive Director Jim Pasco in my Washington, D.C. office.
Sincerely,
Patrick Yoes
National President