Washington, DC - “The FOP has been the preeminent voice of law enforcement in Washington, D.C. for decades and our Executive Director Jim Pasco is one of the major reasons we can say that. Throughout his government and FOP career, he has been at the center of every law enforcement, criminal justice, and police labor issue that has been debated and played a role each time in helping shape the outcome,” said Patrick Yoes, National President of the Fraternal Order of Police.

“From the Bulletproof Vest Partnership program to the Law Enforcement Officers’ Safety Act (LEOSA/H.R. 218) to the more recent First Step Act—Jim made sure that the FOP had a seat at the table and that our voice—the FOP’s voice—was heard before any outcome was reached. His advice has been sought by U.S. Presidents, Members of Congress, Attorneys General, as well as National FOP Presidents and leaders,” Yoes continued. “As the oldest and largest law enforcement organization in the United States, we can say one thing for certain: there is no better advocate for the law enforcement community who has more experience or knowledge of our profession and members than Jim.”

Jim came to the FOP in 1995 as its first Executive Director but his career in public service began well before that. In 1968, after serving two years in the U.S. Army, he began his government career with the U.S. Customs Service. Jim joined the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in 1970 and progressed through the ranks to increasingly important positions, including Chief, Procedures Branch and Chief, Strategic Planning Section. He spent the latter part of his 25 years at ATF as the Assistant Director for Congressional and Media Affairs—the agency’s chief liaison to Congress—and was appointed to the elite Senior Executive Service in 1989.

Given that he has long been recognized for his passionate advocacy on behalf of the Fraternal Order of Police, this most recent honor probably comes as no surprise to those who know him. The FOP is proud of Jim—and always grateful for his loyal service as a tough and tenacious voice for our membership. We congratulate him for achieving this prestigious recognition in Washingtonian’s 2022 Special Edition of the Most Influential People in Washington. The FOP is glad to have you as our voice in D.C.!