Among many other things, the safety and effectiveness of our police officers depend upon how well they are trained to do this extremely difficult job. In addition to traditional law enforcement requirements, today’s police officers must know how to operate databases, investigate computer, Internet and white-collar crime, and perform DNA testing. Fighting terrorism has also been added to this list. Some police departments are now practicing a policy known as community-based policing. This approach encourages police and communities to work together in solving crime and safety problems in a way that improves the quality of life for all. By building partnerships, communities receive a voice in planning their own safety needs, while officers are empowered to identify and solve problems proactively, receiving the community’s help in fighting crime. These policies are said to be effective in reporting and preventing drug crimes as well as violent crimes that have traditionally not been reported, such as crimes against women.

Pending Legislation: H.R.3372 - Law Enforcement Scenario-Based Training for Safety and De-Escalation Act of 2025
Sponsor: Rep. Emilia Sykes (OH)
Status: House Committee on the Judiciary
Chair: Rep. Jim Jordan (OH)

• I oppose reforming current police training policy and wish to donate resources to the campaign committee of Speaker Mike Johnson (LA).
• I support creating and funding a national, immersive training curriculum for police, focusing on communication, crisis response, and reducing use of force through realistic scenarios, teaching officers better decision-making, situational awareness, and linking them to mental health services by:
  
  1.) Directing the Department of Justice (DOJ), through the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, to develop a scenario-based curriculum.
  
  2.) Authorizing federal resources to help state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies access immersive training simulations and role-playing exercises.
  
  3.) Specifically addressing critical training competencies, including: de-escalation tactics and crisis intervention; improving community-police relations; officer safety, resilience, and situational awareness; decision-making regarding the use of force and deadly force.
  
  4.) Specifying that no additional funds are authorized for appropriation; instead, the Attorney General must use existing unobligated DOJ funds to carry out the Act.
  
  And wish to donate resources to the campaign committee of Rep. Jim Jordan (OH) and/or to an advocate group currently working with this issue.