Wagner Introduces Bill to Support Local Police

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (MO-02) and Congressman John Rutherford (FL-05), Co-Chair of the House Law Enforcement Caucus, released the following statement after they introduced the Local Law Enforcement Support Act:

“I will always stand with our brave men and women in blue. Our local law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities, and I have been proud to work with them to make sure they have the resources they need to keep Missouri families safe. Each police department faces different challenges, and my bill will ensure they have the tools necessary to support officers, help victims, and put criminals behind bars,” said Congresswoman Ann Wagner (M0-02).  “The Working Families Tax Cut legislation provided a generational investment in law enforcement nationwide, and my Local Law Enforcement Support Act will give state and local police departments greater flexibility to use these funds in the way they know best, including training and recruitment, better protective equipment for officers, expanded availability of forensic technologies, and enhanced services to victims of violent crime.”

“Every local law enforcement department is different and has distinct needs,” said Congressman John H. Rutherford (FL-05). “As a former sheriff and lifelong law enforcement officer, I understand the importance of giving our departments the ability to invest in what best meets the challenges facing their officers every day. That’s why I am proud to join Congresswoman Wagner on the Local Law Enforcement Support Act to expand the possible ways departments could use their funding, including initiatives to recruit and train personnel, acquire protective equipment for officers, and invest in forensic and investigative technologies to help solve crimes. Flexibility gives them the opportunity to invest where they need it most, and in turn, helps keep our officers and communities safe.”

“On behalf of the men and women of the St. Louis County Police Association, I would like to sincerely thank Representative Wagner for introducing the Local Law Enforcement Support Act (LLESA).  Modern policing requires agencies to be nimble in the way they address crime, community relations, and officer recruitment/retention.  Embracing new training, tactics, and benefits to meet the ever-changing environment is paramount to providing the high-level of law enforcement and protection Americans expect and deserve. The LLESA will allow agencies to continue to meet the needs of our officers and the people they serve.  The additional flexibility the LLESA provides will give our agencies the ability to adapt and improve our officer retention programs, officer protection equipment, and new investigative technologies to combat criminal activity. We look forward working with Rep. Wagner to pass the LLESA and thank her for the unwavering efforts to support our police and keep our communities safe." - Joe Patterson, Executive Director; St. Louis County Police Association

“The Police Chiefs Legislative Coalition, representing our police chiefs and law enforcement leaders across the State of Missouri, fully endorse the Local Law Enforcement Support Act. Our ongoing efforts to protect our communities rely on specialized teams such as our Drug Task Forces that combat illicit narcotics, Cybercrimes Task Forces that apprehend online sexual predators and Human Trafficking Task Forces that apprehend human traffickers. Their efforts remove some of the most violent and dangerous criminals from society. Many of those specialized units need the flexibility of funding toward recruiting and retaining personnel, acquisition of specialized technology, increased access to investigative equipment and aid for services to protect victims. We commend our lawmakers for answering our call for assistance and through the successful passage of the Local Law Enforcement Support Act, we can continue and expand our efforts to safeguard neighborhoods, schools and businesses throughout the State of Missouri.  Please stand with our Police Chiefs and Law Enforcement leaders in supporting this endeavor.” - Executive Board of the Missouri Police Chiefs Legislative Coalition

Supporting Organizations Also Include: Missouri Sheriffs Association, Major County Sheriffs of America, Major Cities Chiefs Association, National Sheriffs Association, International Association of Chiefs of Police, Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies, National Narcotic Officers Associations Coalition, National High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Directors Association. 

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