Goodlatte Statement at Hearing on Challenges Facing Law Enforcement in the 21st Century

Washington, D.C. – House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) today delivered the following remarks during the Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations Subcommittee hearing on “Challenges Facing Law Enforcement in the 21st Century.” Chairman Goodlatte: Each May, our nation celebrates National Police Week. It is an opportunity to recognize the men and women of law enforcement, and to honor their service and sacrifice. There are over 750,000 sworn officers in the United States, keeping state and local communities safe. Every day, brave policemen and women put themselves in harm’s way so the rest of us can live peacefully. I’d like to thank our distinguished guests here today for their service, past and present, and for the insight they will offer in their testimony as we explore challenges police officers are facing in the 21st century. It is not easy to be a police officer these days. Not only are officers engaging in routine yet dangerous duties like traffic stops and criminal investigations, but they are also expected to be trained to deal with terrorist attacks, active shooters, those with severe mental health issues, and evolving technologies. On top of this expanded role, in the past few years officers are facing increased tensions in many communities. This means that run-of-the-mill interactions can escalate into deadly ones, and police officers are increasingly becoming victims of ambush attacks. One area I’ve heard needs attention is the difficulty in recruitment and retention of police officers. It is imperative that police departments remain adequately staffed – especially in a time where we recognize the value in community policing.  Community policing requires time and energy to bond with the people living in the communities patrolled by police, to develop familiarity and trust. For understaffed police departments overwhelmed with responding to crimes, it is difficult to foster those relationships. The recent development of Body Worn Camera programs have also caused much debate and raised new issues in the field of policing. They raise issues such as citizen privacy, and the cost of storage may be burdensome to smaller police departments. While some would advocate not wearing these cameras at all, others would argue the police should have them activated constantly.  But as with any other complex issue, there is no perfect solution.  The presence of a camera may deter informants or other witnesses from speaking to officers.  At the same time, their presence may capture crucial evidence and offer an objective view where human viewpoints may vary. We must have open and frank discussions on these issues. Again, I would like to thank our distinguished panel.  I am eager to hear your concerns and to fashion solutions, where possible, to help police officers remain effective and secure in keeping our American citizens safe.  But most of all, I want to thank you for your service.  Police Week is a time to honor our men and women in blue, and to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.  As a citizen, father, husband, and grandfather, I am profoundly grateful for what you, and your officers, do every day. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and I yield back the balance of my time.