U.S. SENATE—U.S. Senator Steve Daines cosponsored the “Protect and Serve Act,” to help protect law enforcement officers by creating federal penalties for individuals who deliberately target local, state, or federal law enforcement officers with violence.
“Montana law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every single day to keep our families and communities safe,” said Senator Daines. “We should return the favor by doing everything we can to ensure they are protected from senseless violence. Anyone who chooses to target law enforcement officers and cause harm must be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
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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.
Background:
In 2020, more than 300 officers were shot in the line of duty and 47 officers were shot and killed.
The “Protect and Serve Act” has been endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police, National Association of Police Organizations, Sergeants Benevolent Association (NYPD), Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, National Sheriffs Association, Major Cities Chiefs Association, and the Major County Sheriffs Association.