Submitted by United States Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana
WASHINGTON (May 17, 2024) – Senator John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, helped introduce a resolution to designate May 12 through May 18, 2024, as National Police Week. The Senate unanimously adopted the resolution.
“One of the toughest jobs in the world is being a police officer, especially when so many officers don’t get the recognition they deserve. I can’t thank Louisiana’s brave policemen and women enough for the good work they do to keep our communities safe, and I am proud of the Senate for honoring our heroes today,” said Kennedy.
The resolution:
- Designates the week of May 12 through 18, 2024, as “National Police Week.”
- Expresses unwavering support for law enforcement officers across the U.S. in the pursuit of preserving safe and secure communities.
- Recognizes the need to ensure that law enforcement officers have the equipment, training and resources that are necessary in order to protect the health and safety of the officers while they protect the public.
- Acknowledges that Americans should remember and honor police officers and other law enforcement personnel, especially those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
- Expresses condolences and solemn appreciation to the loved ones of each law enforcement officer who has given his or her life in the line of duty.
- Encourages the people of the U.S. to observe National Police Week by honoring law enforcement personnel and promoting awareness of the essential mission that law enforcement personnel undertake in service to their communities and the U.S.
Background:
- Kennedy introduced the Back the Blue Act to increase penalties for criminals who target law enforcement officers and provide new tools for officers to protect themselves.
- Kennedy introduced the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act Reform Act to expand the concealed-carry rights of qualified law enforcement officers.
- The Senate passed the Kennedy-backed Recruit and Retain Act to address the nation-wide shortage of law enforcement officers, increase recruitment and address workforce challenges.
- Kennedy helped introduce the Violent Incident Clearance and Technological Investigative Methods (VICTIM) Act to establish a grant program at the Department of Justice to help state, tribal and local law enforcement agencies solve more crimes and improve clearance rates for homicides and firearm related violent crimes.