Dear Mr. President,
I am writing on behalf of the membership of the Fraternal Order of Police to thank you for your ongoing leadership as our nation faces the challenges associated with the global spread of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Your swift action imposing travel restrictions from global hotspots has mitigated the virus’ impact here in the United States to date and given our country time to prepare for the outbreak.
While COVID-19 is without a doubt a public health crisis, it may also become a public safety concern, as the spread of the virus will have an impact on public safety operations from simple things like answering emergency calls to infected or potentially infected persons, to enforcing quarantines and restrictions on travel as well as protecting vital supplies and facilities. You know better than most the critical role played by law enforcement in responding to a situation like the one that is developing across the nation. Law enforcement officers, more than 90% of whom will be responding from local and State agencies, will need expedited access to vaccines or other medications that may mitigate the virus’ effects, as well as to appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to prevent their contracting the disease. The public needs to have confidence that their local law enforcement agency will be able to respond regardless of the public health circumstances of the community.
With the right tools and equipment, we are confident that the men and women in law enforcement can keep the peace while still playing a critical role in supporting our communities who may struggle in the months ahead with exposure to COVID-19. We also have confidence in you and your Administration to take the right steps to keep the United States and her citizens healthy and safe should the disease continue to spread.
On behalf of the more than 350,000 members of the Fraternal Order of Police, thank you for your leadership and please do not hesitate to contact me or Executive Director Jim Pasco if you should need our help or support in your efforts.
Sincerely
National President