This resolution expresses Congressional support for law enforcement professionals by recognizing the increasing dangers and mental health tolls they face while urging increased staffing, better resources, and tougher penalties for those who assault officers.
Mike Ezell
Representative
MS-4
This resolution expresses strong Congressional support for America's law enforcement professionals, recognizing the increasing dangers and mental health tolls they face daily. It highlights significant challenges, including rising officer assaults and critical staffing shortages across the nation. The bill urges all levels of government to increase support through better funding, training, equipment, and mental health resources. Ultimately, it calls for enhanced penalties for those who harm officers and reaffirms appreciation for their service.
Congress Recognizes Law Enforcement Risks, Urges More Funding and 'Tougher Penalties' for Officer Assaults
This concurrent resolution is Congress formally stepping up to say, “We see you,” to the nation’s law enforcement professionals. It’s not a law that changes policy directly, but it’s a strong message urging federal, state, and local governments to dedicate more resources and attention to the folks keeping our streets safe.
The resolution starts by laying out the sheer danger of the job, citing some tough statistics. For example, it notes that over 79,000 officers were assaulted in 2023—the highest rate in a decade—and that 172 officers died from shootings over the last three years. This isn’t just about danger, though; it also highlights the mental toll, pointing out that officers see hundreds of traumatic events in their careers, leading to a suicide rate 54 percent higher than the general workforce.
The Staffing Squeeze and Community Impact
One of the most immediate takeaways from this resolution is the staffing crisis. Congress notes that the number of full-time state and local officers dropped by 5.3 percent between 2019 and 2021—that’s nearly 37,000 fewer officers on the beat. For busy people, this means slower response times and fewer visible patrols in their neighborhoods or business districts. If you’re a small business owner relying on quick response to shoplifting or vandalism, or a parent concerned about school safety, fewer officers directly translates to increased vulnerability.
A Call for Resources and Mental Health Support
The core of the resolution is its call for better support. It urges governments to provide more staff, better training, and improved equipment. Crucially, it stresses the need for more mental health resources specifically tailored for officers. For the average officer, this means better access to counseling and support to process the trauma they witness daily, which can improve retention and overall community policing quality. When officers are supported, they are better equipped to handle high-stress situations professionally and safely.
The Push for 'Tougher Penalties'
This resolution also strongly urges governments to enact “tougher penalties for anyone who assaults or kills a law enforcement officer.” Since this is a resolution and not a bill, it doesn't define what “tougher” means. However, the message is clear: expect future legislative efforts at the state and federal levels aimed at increasing sentencing or creating new mandatory minimums for crimes against police officers. While this aims to deter violence against officers, it could translate into significantly longer prison sentences for individuals convicted of these specific crimes, affecting court systems and correctional budgets down the line.