On the recordMay 17, 2016
Along with many of my colleagues, I rise today to honor National Police Week. One of the favorite things that I get to do as a Member of Congress is to ride with police officers as they go about their duties, and from St. George to Salt Lake City I have had the opportunity to do this. Sadly, many in our society, particularly among the press, have become highly critical of law enforcement officers. Now, I recognize that not all law enforcement officers are perfect. People make mistakes. We all do. But we can't let the mistakes of a few tarnish the name of such a noble and a brave profession. Such criticism of police efforts doesn't come without a cost. It forces the officers to pull back, to become overly cautious, and to view every encounter that they may have through the prism of a lens of a media event. What is the result of this? We now know that crime rates have been rising across the country. Interestingly and sadly, they are rising in some of the poorest communities, the communities that most need the help of an effective police force. Now more than ever we need brave men and women who are willing to serve and to protect. As I have said, I have had the chance to go on several ride-alongs with several police departments. Again and again I have been impressed with their hard work, their professionalism, and their willingness to put themselves at risk to protect other people. There is a great example of this.…
