Victor Fazio: “the county sheriffs, chiefs of police, and prosecutors who deal with crime on a day-to-day basis told us that community…”

“the county sheriffs, chiefs of police, and prosecutors who deal with crime on a day-to-day basis told us that community policing would make their jobs easier because police officers who are visibly involved in their communities are one of the best deterrents to crime. According to the National Association of Police Organizations, "We need all the help we can get in our daily work, and putting more cops on the streets will help us do our job." And that is what the crime bill delivered. The COPS-FAST program, which targets small jurisdictions, had a one-page application that was due by December 31. No redtape. no bureaucracy. Just an announcement a little over month later that communities in my district would receive a total of 17 new police officers. These are officers who will not just walk a beat, but work closely with the citizens and communities they serve. Community policing has proven to be effective. It is widely supported by law enforcement across the country. Why kill it in favor of block grants--funding which guarantees nothing and is likely to result in an overall reduction in dollars targeted for police and prevention? When we asked for help in developing the crime bill, local law enforcement answered. We listened to them, and then responded with cops-on-the-beat. Why are we putting them through the wringer again? Support the Schumer, Conyers, Chapman amendment and perpetuate this fine crime law offered by President Clinton.”