Collins, Colleagues Introduce the Protect and Serve Act to Punish Criminals for Targeting Law Enforcement
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins joined 16 of her Senate colleagues in introducing the Protect and Serve Act, legislation that would create federal penalties for individuals who deliberately target local, state, or federal law enforcement officers with violence.
“In Maine, we are fortunate to have so many terrific and professional law enforcement officers, devoted to their duty and to doing what is right,” said Senator Collins. “This legislation would help increase protections for those who serve in state, local, and federal law enforcement by holding anyone who knowingly targets or attacks these dedicated officers fully accountable for their criminal actions.”
In 2020, more than 300 officers were shot in the line of duty and 47 officers were shot and killed. Additionally, more than 300 officers lost their lives to COVID-19. In 2021, 14 officers have been killed by others in the line of duty, including Capitol Police Officer Brian David Sicknick who was killed as a result of the attack against the U.S. Capitol.
The Protect and Serve Act would support law enforcement officers by:
· Making it a federal crime to knowingly cause, or attempt to cause, serious bodily injury to a law enforcement officer. Offenders are subject to imprisonment for up to 10 years.
· Ensuring an offender could receive a life sentence if a death results from the offense, or the offense includes kidnapping, attempted kidnapping, or attempted murder.
This law would apply to federal law enforcement officers and would also apply to state and local officers in circumstances where the federal government can establish jurisdiction over the case.
The Protect and Serve Act has been endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police, the National Association of Police Organizations, the Sergeants Benevolent Association (NYPD), the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, the National Sheriffs Association, the Major Cities Chiefs Association, and the Major County Sheriffs Association.
In addition to Senator Collins, the legislation is co-sponsored by Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC), Rob Portman (R-OH), Jim Inhofe (R-OK), Josh Hawley (R-MO), Richard Burr (R-NC), Rick Scott (R-FL), John Boozman (R-AR), Mike Braun (R-IN), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Steve Daines (R-MT), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), John Thune (R-SD), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Roger Wicker (R-MS), and Tom Cotton (R-AR).
Click HERE to read a summary of the bill.
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