Thin Blue Line Act{0}
NAPO priority legislation, the Thin Blue Line Act, was reintroduced as H.R. 99 by Congressman Vern Buchanan (R-FL) on January 3. NAPO once again pledged our support for this important bill, which increases penalties on those who harm or target for harm public safety officers by making the murder or attempted murder of a local police officer, firefighter, or first responder an aggravating factor in death penalty determinations in federal court. This would be applicable whether they were targeted or murdered on duty, because of the performance of their duty, or because of their status as a public official. The only requirement is that the homicide provide federal jurisdiction.
This bill is critical, as law enforcement officer assaults, injuries, and deaths have increased sharply in recent years. Every year, the number of officers killed by firearms has increased. 52 officers were shot and killed in the line of duty in 2018, a 13 percent increase over 2017. Establishing stricter penalties for those who harm or target for harm law enforcement officers will deter violent crime. Any persons contemplating harming an officer must know that they will face serious punishments. NAPO strongly believes that increased penalties make important differences in the attitudes of criminals toward public safety officers, and ensure protection for the community.
The Thin Blue Line Act passed the House last Congress and we look forward to working with Congressman Buchanan to pass it again this Congress.