Dear Representatives:
I am writing on behalf of the members of the Fraternal Order of Police to ask all of you, as Texas members of the Committee on the Judiciary, to support HR 1325, the “Protect and Serve Act.” Last year, this same bill was passed in committee unanimously and then passed the House on an overwhelming 382-35 vote. The legislation, which has been re-introduced by a bipartisan group of former law enforcement officers, would impose Federal penalties on individuals who deliberately target local, State or Federal law enforcement officers with violence.
On Friday, Harris County Deputy Sandeep Dhaliwal was ambushed-shot in the back of the head-during a traffic stop. All of our nation’s law enforcement officers share the grief of the Harris County Sheriffs’ Office and mourn the loss of this dedicated and trailblazing officer. It is imperative that Congress shine the light on the growing threat officers face from ambush attacks carried out by individuals motivated to hurt and kill law enforcement officers.
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.” In response to this growing officer safety issue, we are asking you to please cosponsor H.R. 1325, the “Protect and Serve Act.”
Twenty-eight law enforcement officers have been shot in Texas, more than any other State. Of these, five officers were killed, including two officers who were ambushed-Deputy Dhaliwal and El Paso County Deputy Peter Herrera. Nationwide, 225 officers have been shot to date this year, 38 of whom were killed. We need Congress to act and we are asking that you, as Texas members of the Committee on the Judiciary, cosponsor H.R. 1325 and help us bring this measure to the House floor agam.
On behalf of the more than 349,000 members of the Fraternal Order of Police, thank you for considering our request and, if I 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