Every day, courageous police officers, sheriff department forces, and border security agents in Texas and across our country put their lives on the line as they work to enforce the rule of law and keep our communities safe.
We should be grateful and indebted to them for the selfless work they do on our behalf. Unfortunately, these brave heroes continue to face the appalling call to “defund the police” by some political figures. This dangerous rhetoric against the ones who defend against lawlessness must come to an end.
As criminal activity across the United States is on the rise, families are understandably feeling unsafe in their communities and at their workplaces.
Here at home, the Fort Worth Police Department has compiled local data which shows that in the first quarter of 2023 compared to 2022, “crimes against persons,” which includes incidents of rape, human trafficking, and kidnapping, has increased. “Gang Unit” cases have gone up by 22%, and “crimes against society,” which includes drug and narcotics violations, pornography, and prostitution, increased by nearly 30%.
Tragically in 2022, 60 police officers in the United States were killed in the line of duty by gunfire.
Here in Texas, our law enforcement is faced with the added challenge of battling illegal crossings at the Southern border, which has created a surge in cartel and gang activity, human trafficking, and smuggling of deathly Fentanyl and other illicit drugs.
It is not surprising that retention issues now plague departments across the nation as more and more officers are choosing to get out of the profession. With the “Defund” movement aiming to slash budgets, many police departments are understaffed and overworked in jobs that are becoming increasingly more dangerous.
It is time to end the anti-law enforcement rhetoric, and instead, provide them with the resources they need to safely do their jobs and support recruitment and retention. Rather than sending messages of discouragement, we should regularly show our deep appreciation for the work of these courageous public servants.
That is why I voted to support H. Con. Res. 40, the House resolution expressing support for local law enforcement offices and condemning efforts to defund or dismantle local law enforcement agencies.
I also voted in support of H. Res. 363, the House resolution memorializing law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty.
Supporting the needs of law enforcement should not be a political issue. The men and women who risk their lives every day to defend our safety are America’s finest. The protection they provide creates peace of mind for our children and families and strengthens community confidence, allowing local businesses to develop and thrive.
We must continue to respect the rule of law, support our law enforcement, and always show our deepest gratitude toward our community’s heroes.
As always, I will continue to advocate on behalf of our law enforcement and TX12 in Washington.