Crime Subcommittee to Hold Hearing on Current Law Enforcement Strategies During Police Week

Washington, D.C.— On Wednesday, May 17, 2017, at 10:00 a.m., the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations will hold a hearing entitled, “Challenges Facing Law Enforcement in the 21st Century” during the national observation of Police Week. The hearing will examine the most challenging aspects of policing today, and provide Members of Congress with the opportunity to thank law enforcement for their service. To that end, the hearing will be an opportunity to discuss topics such as, recruitment and retention of officers, officer safety, community policing, local responses to terroristic threats and attacks, the difficulties in facing an opioid epidemic, and handling offenders with mental illnesses. The witnesses for Wednesday’s hearing will be:

• Chuck Canterbury, National President, Fraternal Order of Police;
• Chief Alonzo Thompson, Chief of Police, Spartanburg South Carolina;
• Sheriff Jim McDonnell, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department; and
• Chief Art Acevedo, Houston Chief of Police

House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) and Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations Subcommittee Chairman Trey Gowdy (R-S.C.) released the following statements prior to the hearing: Chairman Goodlatte: “Local law enforcement officers are the first line of defense in our neighborhoods and communities, making sure that our streets are safe, the most helpless in our communities are protected, and those who commit crimes are brought to justice. These brave men and women selflessly give their time and sometimes their lives to ensure the protection of their fellow citizens. “Next week, as we mark Police Week, the House Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing to highlight the vital role law enforcement plays in communities across our country and will look at the latest strategies and technologies available to our officers. It is our job as Members of Congress to ensure our police officers have resources at their disposal to continue serving to the best of their abilities.” Subcommittee Chairman Gowdy: "Law enforcement officers dedicate their lives to the precept which undergirds our country, our way of life, and our republic - respect for and adherence to the rule of law. They courageously propel themselves toward danger while others have the luxury of running from it, and they fight for the safety of others while putting their own lives at risk. "Next week as we celebrate National Police Week, the House Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing to highlight the challenges our law enforcement officers face each and every day. I look forward to hearing from our witnesses and further examining ways in which Congress can best support our law enforcement officers all around the country.” The hearing will take place in 2141 Rayburn House Office Building and will be webcast live at /. Camera crews wishing to cover must be congressionally credentialed and RSVP with the House Radio-TV Gallery at (202) 225-5214.

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