by Congressman John Carter
Both in Congress and around Texas’ 31st Congressional District, I’m known as “Judge” from my 20 years as the Williamson County District Judge.
From my time on the bench to my time in Congress, I’ve had decades of experience working with our law enforcement officers, and I have the utmost respect for the work that they do to keep our communities safe.
Since 1962, May 15th has been known as National Peace Officers Memorial Day, and the week of May 15th is known as National Police Week. Police Week serves as an opportunity to reflect on the service and sacrifice of our nation’s law enforcement officers, but the commitment to backing the blue should last all year around.
Police officers experience many different dangerous, violent, and stressful situations during a given shift, and it’s no secret that law enforcement careers continually rank on the list of the most fatal occupations.
Since the beginning of 2018, 46 officers have been killed in the line of duty.
I’m fortunate to sit on three different committees in Congress that afford me the ability to have a direct influence on almost every law enforcement agency within the federal government.
In addition to crafting policy, my involvement on these committees also has a direct impact on local law enforcement funding.
It’s a proven fact that the more training opportunities police officers have, the more likely they are to stay safe and keep the community safe. It is imperative they also have top-of-the-line equipment to reach those goals.
From the FBI to the DEA, the U.S. Marshals Service to local law enforcement, I have influence as an Appropriations Committee Member over the funding our law enforcement agencies receive. As a strong proponent of supporting those who defend our community, I will always advocate for our officers to receive the proper resources necessary to do their jobs effectively and safely.
In 2017, I authored, and Congress passed, the POLICE (Protecting Our Lives through Initiating COPS Expansion) Act to provide peace officers and first responders with active shooter response training opportunities.
Recently, Congress passed an additional $2.5 million for this program, which means more officers will have the opportunity to receive active shooter response training to help protect citizens and themselves during a tragedy.
The same legislation included $2.5 million for the Officer Robert Wilson III Preventing Violence Against Law Enforcement Officers and Ensuring Officer Resilience and Survivability (VALOR) Initiative. This important training program works to improve the immediate and long-term safety of law enforcement officers.
Ronald Reagan once said, “evil is powerless if the good are unafraid,” and our law enforcement officers are certainly the good in the world that make evil powerless.
There is no braver person than the one willing to put their own safety at risk to serve others, so during National Police Week, I encourage you to reflect on the service and sacrifice of our law enforcement. Every day when they put on their uniform, they work to create a safer world. Regardless of the week, when you come in contact with a police officer, thank them for their efforts and pray for their safety.
