WASHINGTON – Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) today reintroduced legislation to protect law enforcement from ambush-style attacks. The bipartisan Improving Law Enforcement Officer Safety and Wellness Through Data Act would enhance information-gathering and fill gaps in the reporting requirements for attacks against law enforcement, while examining officers’ access to mental health resources.
“Law enforcement officers in Iowa and across the nation put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe. Our bipartisan bill takes an essential step towards protecting our brave men and women in blue and putting an end to these disgusting attacks,” Grassley said.
“Members of law enforcement help keep our communities safe and should be able to do their jobs without fear of being attacked. Through this legislation, the federal government will collect data on attacks and help us better understand motives and prevent them from happening. This is a critical effort to maintain positive relationships between law enforcement and those they serve,” Luján said.
Additional cosponsors include Sens. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) and Bill Cassidy (R-La.).
View bill text HERE.
Background:
In 2023, law enforcement agencies reported over 79,000 police officers were assaulted and 60 were feloniously killed. While the government collects basic information on these attacks, including when the attack occurred and the types of weapons used, more information is needed to help prepare for, identify and prevent anti-police activity.
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