This week, in honor of National Police Week, my fellow GOP Representative, August Pfluger of Texas, and I led a joint hearing to explore the current state of American law enforcement. As we face a nationwide crime crisis, it is crucial to thoroughly examine our law enforcement landscape and evaluate the engagement level of the federal government, especially the Department of Homeland Security, with state and local authorities.
As a former New York Police Department detective, I firmly believe that understanding the challenges faced by law enforcement in different communities is pivotal. While the mission of policing remains consistent across the nation, the methods and resources required can vary significantly. In this context, we must ensure that resources are distributed in ways that meet the unique needs of each community.
Drawing from my experience in uniform – investigating homicides, interrogating violent criminals, and taking illegal guns off the streets – I hope to provide valuable insights into the realities of police work. I believe these insights can help the committee and other members of Congress better understand the law enforcement perspective and consequently make more informed decisions.
One crucial point raised during the hearing was the negative impact that politicization has had on law enforcement. Officers are increasingly feeling unsupported due to various factors, including the politicization of District Attorneys and the decisions they make about prosecution. It is vital for us to address these concerns and ensure that our officers have the necessary support to effectively carry out their duties.
Moreover, we must confront the issue of morale within law enforcement. The recruitment and retention of officers have been significantly affected by the crime crisis and other related challenges. To address these issues, we must focus on continually supporting our law enforcement officers, ensuring they have the necessary training, and keeping their morale high.
Unfortunately, it seems that the current administration has not prioritized law enforcement. From the cancellation of the President’s keynote address during National Police Week to the detrimental rhetoric from party members, these actions speak volumes. It is time for us to stop putting criminals before law-abiding citizens and to start supporting those who serve to protect us.
Lastly, it is important to understand that the current violence in many cities across the country is due to failed policies. In New York specifically, the implementation of cashless bail and certain restrictions have effectively handcuffed our police, leading to a surge in violent crime and community suffering. It is critical that we reassess these policies to better protect our communities and support our law enforcement officers.
In the end, this hearing was an opportunity to hear from witnesses, learn from their experiences, and discuss ways to support local and state-level law enforcement more effectively. I remain committed to doing my part in ensuring that law enforcement agencies have the necessary resources to carry out their mission and keep our communities safe.
