Dear Representative Van Drew,
I am writing on behalf of the members of the Fraternal Order of Police to advise you of our support for H.R. 2752, the “Ensuring Safer Schools Act.”
Your legislation would amend the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 by allowing funds from the Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) to be utilized for the prioritization of training military veterans and retired law enforcement officers to become school resource officers. They would additionally be equipped with annual training on appropriate tactics and responses.
Amidst continued violence in schools, our children deserve better safeguards to ensure their mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing. Those who have served our nation and communities with the utmost dignity would be the most suitable individuals to improve upon and maintain safer environments in our institutions of education.
On behalf of the more than 377,000 members of the Fraternal Order of Police, thank you for your leadership on this legislation. If I can provide any additional information or support for this effort, please do not hesitate to contact me or Executive Director Jim Pasco in our Washington, D.C. office.
Sincerely,
Patrick Yoes
National President