Mobile Courant

U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) recently authored an op-ed in Yellowhammer News, reflecting on a roundtable he hosted during National Police Week with federal, state, and local law enforcement officials. The discussion focused on how Congress can ensure police have the necessary resources and support to maintain community safety.

In his piece, Tuberville recounted the insights shared by law enforcement regarding the lasting effects of the “Defund the Police” movement, recruitment challenges, the opioid crisis, human trafficking, and President Biden’s border policies.

“Last week was National Police Week. But, if you ask me, one week isn’t nearly enough to sufficiently honor the brave men and women who put their lives on the line every day to serve and protect our communities,” Tuberville wrote. He emphasized that Congress must take steps to "back the blue."

The roundtable featured first-hand accounts from law enforcement officials about increased risks faced by officers due to what they described as a soft-on-crime agenda. Pam Bondi, former Attorney General of Florida who moderated the event, highlighted her experiences attending funerals for officers killed in duty alongside Senator Rick Scott (R-FL).

Tuberville noted that Alabama lost three officers in 2023: Huntsville Police Officer Garrett Crumby, Montgomery Policy Officer Carlos Taylor, and Alabama Port Authority police officer Kimberly Sickafoose. He expressed gratitude for their service and stressed that their sacrifices should not be forgotten.

The discussion also covered rising crime rates in urban and rural areas, drug smuggling issues linked to border policies, and challenges posed by anti-police sentiments affecting recruitment and retention. “Our officers are overwhelmed,” Tuberville stated.

Tuberville pledged ongoing efforts to secure resources for law enforcement while advocating for broader support from leadership. “Hopefully we get a Commander in Chief in the White House who will actually enforce our laws and support the work our law enforcement officers are doing,” he added.

Joining Tuberville at the roundtable were Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Katie Britt (R-AL), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), and Rick Scott (R-FL). Panelists included former Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Chad Wolf; Dean Kueter, former Executive Director of the President’s Commission on Law Enforcement; Katherine Robertson from Alabama Attorney General's office; Hoover Chief of Police Nick Derzis; and Cullman County Sheriff Matt Gentry.

Senator Tuberville has consistently voiced concerns over what he views as demoralizing rhetoric against law enforcement. Last year during National Police Week, he introduced the Back the Blue Act aimed at increasing penalties for crimes targeting officers and providing new protective tools for them.

More information about Senator Tuberville’s initiatives related to law enforcement can be found through his official channels.