Mobile Courant

Yesterday, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) led a roundtable discussion during National Police Week, focusing on the resources and support needed by law enforcement to ensure community safety. The meeting, attended by federal, state, and local officials, discussed topics such as the "Defund the Police" movement's lasting effects, recruitment challenges, the opioid crisis, mental health issues, human trafficking, and President Biden’s border policies.

Joining Senator Tuberville were Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Katie Britt (R-AL), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), and Rick Scott (R-FL). Former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi moderated the panel which included former Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Chad Wolf; Dean Kueter, former Executive Director of the President’s Commission on Law Enforcement and the Administration of Justice; Katherine Robertson, Chief Counsel to Alabama Attorney General; Hoover Chief of Police Nick Derzis; and Cullman County Sheriff Matt Gentry.

Senator Tuberville commented on the current state of law enforcement in America: “The U.S. is experiencing a massive crime wave throughout our cities, driven by President Biden’s intentional border disaster. It’s no wonder we have had a historic number of retirements among law enforcement officers – and more difficulty than ever recruiting to the force." He further stated that "You all are the last line of defense against the lawlessness that threatens to tear our communities and our country apart."

He emphasized his belief that when streets and borders are lost, so too is the country. He pointedly blamed the Biden administration for these issues while praising law enforcement efforts despite being underfunded.

Senator Tuberville has been vocal about his stance on supporting law enforcement agencies. He has criticized anti-police rhetoric from left-wing factions as dangerous and demoralizing for law enforcement officers. In addition to advocating for resources for these agencies, he also emphasizes backing them up. He recognized National Police Week and paid tribute to police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty over the past year.

Last year, Senator Tuberville introduced the Back the Blue Act during National Police Week. The legislation aims to increase penalties for criminals targeting law enforcement officers and provide new tools for officers to protect themselves.

Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, and HELP Committees.