North Charlotte Today

Senator Thom Tillis and his colleagues have reintroduced bipartisan legislation aimed at improving reporting on attacks targeting law enforcement. The "Improving Law Enforcement Officer Safety and Wellness Through Data Act" seeks to address gaps in reporting requirements for ambush-attacks against law enforcement officers, with the goal of increasing our understanding of these crimes and how they occur.

In a statement, Senator Tillis emphasized the importance of gaining a clear picture of when attacks on law enforcement officers occur. He said, "Attacks on our law enforcement officers are abhorrent and we must get a clear picture on when they occur. I’m proud to co-introduce this bipartisan legislation so we can improve reporting and continue supporting the men and women in blue to prevent these disgusting acts."

The need for improved reporting is evident considering the tragic statistics. In 2022, 60 police officers were feloniously killed in the line of duty, with nearly 30 percent of those deaths resulting from unprovoked attacks or ambushes. While basic information such as the timing of the attacks and the weapons used is currently collected by the government, more comprehensive data is required to help law enforcement officers prepare for, identify, and prevent future anti-police activity.

The "Improving Law Enforcement Officer Safety and Wellness Through Data Act" seeks to address this need by increasing the categories of information that can be voluntarily reported regarding anti-police attacks. This includes gathering data on the intention and coordination of perpetrators, which can provide valuable insights into the motives and planning behind these acts of violence. The bill also directs the Justice Department to explore the inclusion of escalatory aggression in its reports, shedding light on the increasing levels of aggression faced by law enforcement officers.

Furthermore, the legislation aims to shed light on the mental health and stress-related impacts of aggressive activity or trauma on law enforcement. By understanding the psychological toll that these incidents can have on officers, appropriate resources and support can be provided to ensure their well-being. The bill also seeks to explore the availability and utilization of mental health resources for officers, recognizing the importance of providing comprehensive support systems.

The "Improving Law Enforcement Officer Safety and Wellness Through Data Act" has garnered support from various law enforcement organizations, including the Fraternal Order of Police, the National Association of Police Officers, the Sergeants Benevolent Association of the NYPD, the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, and the Major Counties Sheriffs of America.

This bipartisan effort aims to enhance the reporting and understanding of attacks on law enforcement officers, ultimately working towards preventing these heinous acts. The full text of the bill is available for review on the official website.

To find out more, go to this link: https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2023/12/tillis-colleagues-reignite-effort-to-improve-reporting-attacks-on-law-enforcement