Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress Senate Bill SB3522

Introduced
12/14/23  

Caption

Improving Law Enforcement Officer Safety and Wellness Through Data Act

Impact

The legislation seeks to address the lack of systematic data regarding assaults on police officers, which are often underreported. By creating more detailed categories in existing crime reporting systems, the bill aims to provide a clearer picture of the threats faced by law enforcement. This data is essential for determining the resources and support needed to protect officers on the job. Furthermore, the bill emphasizes the mental health challenges faced by law enforcement officers, advocating for a focus on wellness programs and mental health resources that can mitigate the stress and trauma associated with their roles.

Summary

Senate Bill 3522, titled the 'Improving Law Enforcement Officer Safety and Wellness Through Data Act,' aims to enhance the safety and wellness of law enforcement officers through improved data collection regarding violent attacks against them. The bill mandates the Attorney General to compile comprehensive reports on incidents involving ambushes and other types of aggressive actions directed at law enforcement personnel. This initiative is driven by rising concerns over violence against officers, which has been exacerbated by increasing anti-police sentiment and rhetoric. In 2022 alone, there were 60 felonious killings of police officers, highlighting the urgency of addressing these issues.

Contention

While the bill has widespread support as a measure to protect law enforcement, it also raises concerns among some groups about the implications of further empowering law enforcement agencies. Critics might argue that while improving data collection is essential, it should not come at the cost of civil liberties or lead to increased military-style policing. Additionally, there may be discussions regarding the efficacy of the recommended training and resources in ensuring officer safety and whether current programs are sufficient. Balancing public safety with community trust and transparency will be a crucial ongoing debate as the bill is discussed.

Companion Bills

US HB7581

Same As Improving Law Enforcement Officer Safety and Wellness Through Data Act of 2024

Previously Filed As

US SB1418

Improving Law Enforcement Officer Safety and Wellness Through Data Act

US HB7581

Improving Law Enforcement Officer Safety and Wellness Through Data Act of 2024

US HB2240

Improving Law Enforcement Officer Safety and Wellness Through Data Act

US HR1213

A resolution regarding violence against law enforcement officers.

US HB355

Back the Blue Act of 2023 This bill establishes new criminal offenses for killing, assaulting, and fleeing to avoid prosecution for killing a judge, law enforcement officer, or public safety officer. Additionally, the bill expands the list of statutory aggravating factors in death penalty determinations to also include the killing or attempted killing of a law enforcement officer, judge, prosecutor, or firefighter or other first responder; broadens the authority of federal law enforcement officers to carry firearms; and limits federal court review of challenges to state court convictions for killing a public safety officer or judge. Finally, it directs the Department of Justice to make grants to law enforcement agencies and nongovernmental organizations to promote trust and improve relations between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve.

US HR1226

Resolution memorializing law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty.

US SB4991

George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2024 Closing the Law Enforcement Consent Loophole Act of 2024

US HR1227

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 8369) to provide for the expeditious delivery of defense articles and defense services for Israel and other matters; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 7530) to limit youth offender status in the District of Columbia to individuals 18 years of age or younger, to direct the Attorney General of the District of Columbia to establish and operate a publicly accessible website containing updated statistics on juvenile crime in the District of Columbia, to amend the District of Columbia Home Rule Act to prohibit the Council of the District of Columbia from enacting changes to existing criminal liability sentences, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 7343) to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide for the detention of certain aliens who commit assault against law enforcement officers; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 8146) to require a report by the Attorney General on the impact the border crisis is having on law enforcement at the Federal, State, local, and Tribal level; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 7581) to require the Attorney General to develop reports relating to violent attacks against law enforcement officers, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 354) to amend title 18, United States Code, to improve the Law Enforcement Officer Safety Act and provisions relating to the carrying of concealed weapons by law enforcement officers, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the resolution (H. Res. 1213) a resolution regarding violence against law enforcement officers; and providing for consideration of the resolution (H. Res. 1210) condemning the Biden border crisis and the tremendous burdens law enforcement officers face as a result.

US HB8871

Law Enforcement Scenario-Based Training for Safety and De-Escalation Act of 2024

US HR405

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2240) to require the Attorney General to develop reports relating to violent attacks against law enforcement officers, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2243) to amend title 18, United States Code, to improve the Law Enforcement Officer Safety Act and provisions relating to the carrying of concealed weapons by law enforcement officers, and for other purposes; and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2255) to allow Federal law enforcement officers to purchase retired service weapons, and for other purposes.

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