Dear Senators McConnell, Schumer, Shelby and Leahy,
I am writing on behalf of the membership of the Fraternal Order of Police to advise you of the need for resources and tools for State and local law enforcement as our nation prepares to face the challenges associated with the global spread of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).
While COVID-19 is without a doubt a public health crisis, it will 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 from infected or potentially infected persons, to enforcing quarantines and restrictions on travel as well as protecting vital supplies and facilities. Law enforcement will play a critical role in responding to this outbreak and, like every other sector of American society, they must do so with a workforce that will also be diminished because of the virus.
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.
Law enforcement will also need to make use of Federal resources and funding for equipment, personnel compensation and other costs using existing programs at the U.S. Departments of Justice, Homeland Security, Health and Human Services as well as the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. It may become necessary for Congress to create additional programs designed specifically to support a public safety and law enforcement response, and I want to let you know that the Fraternal Order of Police stands ready to work with you to identify these needs and to provide you with a realistic view of the situation from local police departments and other law enforcement agencies.
With the right tools and equipment, we are confident that the men and women in law enforcement can support our communities and keep our citizens 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
cc:The Honorable Gerald W. Moran, Chairman, Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies,
Committee on Appropriations, United States Senate
The Honorable C. Jeanne Shaheen, Ranking Member, Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related
Agencies, Committee on Appropriations, United States Senate
The Honorable Shelley W. Moore Capito, Chairman, Subcommittee on Homeland Security,
Committee on Appropriations, United States Senate
The Honorable R. Jon Tester, Ranking Member, Subcommittee on Homeland Security, Committee on
Appropriations, United States Senate
The Honorable Roy D. Blunt, Chairman, Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and
Related Agencies, Committee on Appropriations, United States Senate
The Honorable Patricia L. Murray, Ranking Member, Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services,
Education and Related Agencies, Committee on Appropriations, United States Senate