During a congressional hearing on May 15, it was revealed that attacks on law enforcement officers have reached a 10-year high, coinciding with a decline in police staffing. Lawmakers engaged ambassadors from various law enforcement groups in discussions during National Police Week at a hearing held by the House Homeland Security Committee. The panel included Gregory Mays, Michael Bullock, and Michael Chapman, representing different law enforcement agencies.
When asked about the safety of law enforcement officers compared to three years ago, all witnesses unanimously agreed that officers are not safer today. They highlighted a concerning trend of increased attacks on law enforcement personnel. Mr. Mays emphasized the severity of the situation, stating that attacks on law enforcement have reached a decade-high. Mr. Bullock and Mr. Chapman echoed this sentiment, calling for enhanced measures to protect officers.
These concerns were validated by a recent FBI report released on May 14, which documented over 79,000 attacks on officers in 2023. The report analyzed data from various agencies across the country, revealing a rise in assaults and injuries inflicted on officers, particularly through the use of firearms. Notably, the report highlighted a significant increase in firearm-related assaults, with 466 incidents reported in 2023, the highest in a decade.
Although the FBI noted a slight decrease in officer fatalities due to criminal activity in 2023 compared to previous years, there was a concerning trend of more officer killings resulting from criminal acts over the past three years than in the last two decades. The report also indicated that officers slain between 2014 and 2023 had an average of 12 years of experience.
Furthermore, the report detailed incidents of accidental officer deaths while on duty, with a majority occurring in motor vehicle accidents. Mr. Bullock highlighted the issue of funding cuts and staffing reductions in some cities, citing a 30% decrease in staffing at the Austin Police Department since 2020.
Several lawmakers, including Sen. Tommy Tuberville, emphasized the importance of National Police Week and expressed gratitude to law enforcement officers. Sen. Tuberville and his colleagues introduced a resolution to declare May 12–18, 2024, as National Police Week, honoring the 222 officers who lost their lives in the line of duty the previous year.
In a news release, Sen. Tuberville condemned attacks on police officers, calling for support and appreciation for their sacrifices. He criticized the politicization of law enforcement and urged all Americans, especially those in public office, to stand behind the men and women in blue.
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