WASHINGTON – The U.S. Senate today unanimously passed a bipartisan bill cosponsored by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley to help law enforcement and first responders train for active shooter scenarios. The Protecting Our Lives by Initiating COPS Expansion (POLICE) Act, which was introduced by Senators John Cornyn and Patrick Leahy, was reported out of the Judiciary Committee last week.
“The brave men and women in law enforcement risk their own safety each day to keep our communities safe,” Grassley said. “In Congress, we can help ensure they are equipped with the necessary tools and training to help them protect and serve. The additional training opportunities created in the POLICE Act will help law enforcement across the country prepare to counter new threats and safely resolve dangerous situations, such as active shooter events. The Senate’s unanimous passage of this bill during National Police Week is a good step on its way to becoming law.”
The bill allows law enforcement and medical personnel across the country to use existing federal grant funds for active shooter response training. Under the bill, the grant funds can also be used for training civilians on the appropriate response when confronted with an active shooter. Today’s Senate action on the POLICE Act coincides with National Police Week, a time to celebrate American law enforcement officers for their bravery and dedication to protecting and serving American communities, and to honor and remember those who perished in the line of duty.
The POLICE Act is the 16th bipartisan bill to be reported out of the Judiciary Committee and passed by the Senate under Grassley’s leadership.
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