Senator Hassan, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Improve Reporting of Attacks on Law Enforcement

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan joined a bipartisan group of Senators in introducing legislation to gather greater information on attacks targeting law enforcement. The Improving Law Enforcement Officer Safety and Wellness Through Data Act builds on existing reporting requirements and fills gaps highlighted by law enforcement groups to increase our understanding of the circumstances precipitating and involving ambush-style attacks against law enforcement.

“Intentional attacks on law enforcement are horrifying – we must do more to prevent them,” Senator Hassan said. “These attacks against the brave men and women on the force threaten not only their safety, but also their ability to do their jobs effectively and public safety overall. That is why I am teaming up with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to call for more information on these alarming attacks as we work together to help protect our officers from vicious and unprovoked assaults.”

The Improving Law Enforcement Officer Safety and Wellness Through Data Act increases the categories of information reported regarding anti-police attacks, including the intention and coordination of perpetrators. The bill also seeks to shed light on the mental health and stress-related impacts aggressive activity or trauma have on law enforcement, the mental health resources available to assist officers, and the extent to which those resources are used.

Senator Hassan is committed to providing law enforcement officers, first responders, and service members with the support that they deserve. This week, Senator Hassan pushed to increase funding for state and local law enforcement. In 2019, bipartisan legislation became law that Senator Hassan cosponsored to help prevent law enforcement officer suicide.

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