Klobuchar is founding member of first ever bipartisan law enforcement caucus
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar has come together with a bipartisan group of 18 senators to launch the first ever U.S. Senate Law Enforcement Caucus to educate and inform their colleagues and staff about the programs and initiatives that are keeping American communities safe, while advocating for the policies and tools law enforcement agencies need to carry out their missions.
Along with U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), the co-chairs of the new caucus, other founding members of the caucus include Kent Conrad (D-N.D.), Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Ben Nelson (D-Neb.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Richard Burr (R-N.C.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Mark Kirk (R-IL), John Boozman (R-Ark.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), and Dean Heller (R-Nev.).
“As a former prosecutor, I witnessed first hand the vital role our law enforcement officers serve in keeping our citizens safe,” Klobuchar said. “We owe it to them to make sure they have the technology, tools and know-how they need to do their job safely and effectively, helping protect communities and ultimately save lives.”
The U.S. Senate Law Enforcement Caucus will primarily serve as a forum for officials, community groups, and other stakeholders to meet with legislators, staff, and one another to share experiences and develop strategies for fostering effective law enforcement. It will highlight ways in which the federal government can better assist agencies at the state and local levels, and will help circulate proven best practices in administering law enforcement programs.
The goals of the caucus are to:
• Raise awareness and support for beneficial law enforcement and criminal justice initiatives in the Senate
• Reinforce the federal commitment to assisting state and local law enforcement agencies in the performance of their duties
• Strengthen working partnerships between national, state and local law enforcement agencies
• Facilitate an exchange and debate of information, ideas, and concerns within law enforcement
• Promote an inclusive and collaborative approach to combating crime and promoting community safety
• Advocate policies and measures that emphasize and enhance officer safety
• Highlight and promote professional careers in law enforcement
The caucus plans to hold regular briefings on pressing law enforcement issues for U.S. senators and staff, as well as to meet regularly with law enforcement officials to learn about best practices and the tools they need to keep our communities safe.
