Reps. Russell Fry (R., S.C.) and Josh Gottheimer (D., N.J.) ended National Police Week in a bipartisan manner, introducing legislation that increases access to commander-level training curriculum across law enforcement agencies, while also improving the quality of the programs.
The bipartisan legislation, the Promoting Police Leadership Act, puts the Attorney General and the Department of Justice (DOJ) in charge of developing a broad training curricula framework for commander-level personnel in consultation with state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies, academic institutions, and other relevant partners. It also creates a voluntary certification process for the Attorney General to identify high-quality training programs that align with the broader DOJ framework and provide instruction to police departments.
“Police officers and law enforcement agents are heroes who keep our communities safe,” Fry said of his legislation. “Unfortunately, these men and women are too often demonized for doing their jobs, creating an even more challenging work environment. Our legislation would ensure that law enforcement agents everywhere have access to the continuous training and education needed to protect families, communities, and states in an ever-changing world. I am proud to back the blue and will always stand with the law enforcement community to ensure they have the tools to continue serving well.”
“Supporting law enforcement means ensuring officers at all levels have the training, leadership development, and resources they need to protect themselves and our communities,” Gottheimer, so is the co-chair of the bipartisan Law Enforcement Caucus, added. “The bipartisan Promoting Police Leadership Act will strengthen departments by giving officers the tools to succeed and excel as leaders protecting our communities.”
The legislation from Reps. Fry and Gottheimer is getting additional bipartisan, bicameral support from two former state attorneys general, Sens. John Cornyn (R., Texas) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D., R.I.), who introduced companion legislation in the Senate.
The bill was immediately endorsed by law enforcement associations from across America, including the Law Enforcement Action Partnership (LEAP), Major County Sheriffs of America (MCSA), and and the National Narcotic Officers’ Associations’ Coalition (NNOAC).
