UCOPS Leads National Push for the HALO Act

The United Coalition of Public Safety is making the HALO Act a national priority.

The HALO Act campaign is built on a simple but urgent principle: law enforcement officers deserve protection while they are doing their jobs – both on the street and online. UCOPS is advocating for legislation that creates a clear safety buffer around officers in the field, including a 15-foot “halo” that allows officers to safely perform their duties without interference, intimidation, or harassment.

But the threat does not end at the scene. Officers and their families are increasingly being targeted through online doxxing, threats, harassment, and intimidation. UCOPS believes the law must evolve to meet that reality by expanding the HALO concept to include digital protections that shield officers and their families from targeted abuse.

UCOPS President Louis Civello has appeared on Newsmax several times to advocate for these protections and bring national attention to the issue. He has also joined UCOPS member organizations, including the Detectives’ Endowment Association and the Suffolk County PBA, on the steps of New York City Hall to call for passage of New York Senate Bills S9974 and S9975 – legislation that is part of the broader UCOPS HALO Act campaign.

UCOPS will continue working with lawmakers, law enforcement leaders, and public safety advocates to pass meaningful protections for officers nationwide. Contact your legislator and urge them to pass HALO Act legislation that supports law enforcement and upholds public safety.

UCOPS Endorses Kash Patel for Director of the FBI

UCOPS fully endorses the nomination of Kash Patel to serve as Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). UCOPS President, Mike Solan will be attending Mr. Patel’s confirmation hearing in Washington DC, on Thursday January 30th, to lend support during the process.

H.R. 82, the Social Security Fairness Act

We are excited to share significant news from Capitol Hill: H.R. 82, the Social Security Fairness Act, has passed the Senate with a decisive bipartisan vote of 76-20. This crucial legislation is now headed to President Biden’s desk, where his signature is expected.

As you may know, H.R. 82 aims to repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO), which have long impacted the financial security of public safety professionals, including police officers.

During the Senate proceedings, there were large proposed amendments to the bill, but none succeeded. Our DC team was plugged in all day regarding the amendments, and this vote immediately sped up after Congress averted a shutdown with a clean Continuing Resolution.

Looking ahead, UCOPS is committed to ensuring a smooth implementation process for this historic legislation. We will be engaging closely with the incoming administration to address key questions and provide guidance on what this means for our members and their families.

As updates become available, we will keep you informed every step of the way.

Mike Solan, President

UCOPS

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Invest to Protect Act

Gottheimer to Introduce Bipartisan “Invest to Protect Act” to Support Local Police Departments

FORT LEE, NJ — Today, May 5, 2023, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer announced the introduction of the bipartisan, bicameral Invest to Protect Act.

The bipartisan Invest to Protect Act — led by Gottheimer, former Sheriff Rep. John Rutherford (FL-5), Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus Rep. Steven Horsford (NV-4), and retired NYPD detective Rep. Anthony D’Esposito (NY-4) — will make critical, targeted investments in small and midsize police departments with fewer than 200 sworn officers for the recruitment, retention, mental health support, and training they need to protect themselves and their communities. 94% of U.S. police departments have under 100 sworn officers and these smaller departments make up the majority of those in North Jersey.

The bipartisan legislation will be formally introduced in the coming days and already has 50 original cosponsors. In the Senate, identical companion legislation is being introduced by Democratic Senator Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada and Republican Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa.

Last year, the bipartisan Invest to Protect Act passed the House with 360 votes, including 153 Republicans. The Senate also passed a version of the legislation last year, but the final agreed upon bill was not voted on.

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Expressing support for local law enforcement officers and condemning efforts to defund or dismantle local law enforcement agencies.

Expressing support for local law enforcement officers and condemning efforts to defund or dismantle local law enforcement agencies.

Federal Law Enforcement Officer Service Weapon Purchase Act

Federal Law Enforcement Officer Service Weapon Purchase Act

Police Act 2023

Protect our Law Enforcement with Immigration Control and Enforcement Act of 2023