The National Legislative Office provided FOP members with updated information, released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), regarding guidance specific to correctional facilities and detention centers during the COVID-19 pandemic, to ensure the continuation of essential public services and protection of the health and safety of incarcerated and detained persons, staff and visitors. To view the updated guidance, please click here.
FOP Legislative News
The National Legislative Office provided FOP members with information, released by the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS), regarding DISCUS’ new nationwide database of distillers who have halted their operations and have begun producing hand sanitizer for their communities. We encourage any local agency in need of hand sanitizer to check this out and contact a distiller near you. To view DISCUS’ nationwide database, please click here.
The National Legislative Office thanked Representatives Valdez Demings (FL-10) and John Rutherford (FL-04) for sending a letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, requesting that the sufficient personal protective equipment (PPE) for our nation’s law enforcement officers be included in future legislation that addresses the COVID-19 pandemic. To read their letter, please click here.
The National Legislative Office shared an ABC News article with FOP members on social media, alerting them that, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), members of extremist groups are encouraging one another to spread the virus, if contracted, through bodily fluids and personal interactions to law enforcement officers. To view the article, please click here.
The National Legislative Office shared with FOP members on social media a Washington Examiner article highlighting the trend of local governments deciding to release inmates back onto the streets because of COVID-19 fears. The article cited Executive Director Jim Pasco, who said, “If you put convicted, but not yet rehabilitated criminals out on the streets where large swaths of the business world are shut down, you can expect an increase in property crimes from looting to robbery. You run the risk of exacerbating the problem.” To view the article, please click here.
National President Patrick Yoes sent the following letters to members of the House and Senate requesting them to consider including the Social Security Fairness Act into the so-called “Phase 3,” a bill being developed in the Senate in response to COVID-19. Click here to view the House letter. Click here to view the Senate letter.
The National Legislative Office provided FOP members with information, released by the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), regarding “Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers” during COVID-19. To view the information, please click here.
The National Legislative Office provided FOP members with information, released by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), regarding guidance on the types of emergency protective measures that may be eligible under FEMA’s Public Assistance Program during COVID-19. To view the information, please click here.
Senior Legislative Liaison Tim Richardson participated in a conference call, hosted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), to provide an update regarding current activities related to novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
Legislative Liaison Mark McDonald participated in a webinar, hosted by the National Police Foundation, Major Cities Chiefs Association and the Police Executive Research Forum, for a law enforcement briefing by executives from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on how departments are being recommended to prepare their officers with respect to COVID-19.
Senior Legislative Liaison Tim Richardson and Legislative Liaison Mark McDonald participated in a conference call, hosted by senior administration in the Executive Office of the President at the White House, for industry specific updates on the coronavirus.
Senior Legislative Liaison Tim Richardson and Legislative Liaison Mark McDonald participated in a conference call, hosted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office for State and Local Law Enforcement (OSLLE), which provided an update regarding current activities related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the impact it may have on the jail community.
