Dear Representatives Smith, Neal, Kelly, and Thompson,
I am writing on behalf of the members of the Fraternal Order of Police to advise you of our support for H.R. 3269, the “Law Enforcement Innovate to De-Escalate Act,” and to request that the committee consider and favorably report this measure for floor 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 by using the term “less-than-lethal projectile device” in Federal firearms law. These devices 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.” This new definition will also be applied for tax purposes.
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.
On behalf of the more than 373,000 members of the Fraternal Order of Police, I urge the committee to consider and favorably report this measure for floor consideration. 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
Todd Bramwell, President, Massachusetts State Lodge
Joe Regan, President, Pennsylvania State Lodge
Roger Hilton, President, California State Lodge
Kevin Ahlbrand, National Trustee, Missouri State Lodge
Rich Shailor, National Trustee, Massachusetts State Lodge
John Fiorill, National Trustee, Pennsylvania State Lodge
Matt Heady, National Trustee, California State Lodge