Preventing Violence Against Federal, State, Tribal, and Local Law Enforcement Officers

Feb 14, 2017

Summary

Directs the government to find ways to better protect police and punish people who harm them.

What problem does this solve?

Law enforcement officers face threats of violence, and current laws may not be strong enough to protect them. This order requires a review of existing laws and suggests creating new ones with tougher punishments to keep officers safe.

What does this order do?

Proposes new laws and tougher penalties

Directs the executive branch to pursue new laws that define new federal crimes and increase punishments for existing crimes to prevent violence against law enforcement officers.

Requires a review of existing federal laws

Tasks the Attorney General with reviewing current federal laws to see if they are strong enough to protect law enforcement officers.

Recommends new mandatory minimum sentences

Allows the Attorney General to recommend new laws that establish mandatory minimum sentences for crimes of violence against officers.

Develops a strategy to prosecute offenders

Orders the Attorney General to create a strategy for using existing federal laws to prosecute individuals who attack law enforcement officers.

Evaluates federal grant funding

Requires the Department of Justice to review all its grant programs to see how they support and protect law enforcement officers and to recommend changes if needed.

Who does this affect?

Federal, State, Tribal, and Local Law Enforcement Officers
Individuals who commit crimes against law enforcement

What is the real world impact?

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Enhances officer safety

Strengthens the federal government's commitment to protecting police officers by enforcing existing laws and proposing new, tougher ones to prevent and punish violence against them.

When does this start?

This order became effective when it was signed on February 9, 2017.