Diane S. Sykes: “I rise to recognize the courage, dedication, and sacrifice of the law enforcement officers serving in Ohio's 13th…”

“I rise to recognize the courage, dedication, and sacrifice of the law enforcement officers serving in Ohio's 13th Congressional District and to honor those who have lost their lives in the line of duty. Being a police officer is not an easy job. It is one of the most difficult and most dangerous jobs in our society, and in recent years, it has only gotten harder. As I have met with law enforcement agencies across northeast Ohio, I continue to hear the same concerns. Officers are overworked, stretched thin, and in need of better support and training to meet the demands of the job and the needs of our communities. That is why I have reintroduced the Law Enforcement Scenario-Based Training for Safety and De-Escalation Act. This is bipartisan legislation that supports law enforcement officers by ensuring they have access to high-quality, real-world training that prepares them for the complex situations they face in the field. This bill requires the Department of Justice through the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, also known as the COPS Office, to develop and distribute scenario-based training curricula that cover de-escalation, crisis intervention, use of force, situational awareness, decision-making under stress, and community relationship building. We know that when law enforcement has the tools and the training they need, it protects both the officers and the public.”