S.Res. 537

A resolution commemorating and acknowledging the dedication and sacrifice made by the men and women who have lost their lives while serving as law enforcement officers.

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III

110th CONGRESS

2d Session

S. RES. 537

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

April 28, 2008

Mr. Leahy (for himself, Mr. Specter, Mr. Kennedy, Mr. Durbin, Mr. Kohl, Mr. Grassley, Mr. Menendez, Mr. Cornyn, Mrs. Feinstein, Mr. Schumer, Mr. Hatch, Mr. Biden, Mr. Cardin, Mr. Whitehouse, Mr. Baucus, and Mrs. Boxer) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary

May 8, 2008

Reported by Mr. Leahy, without amendment

May 8, 2008

Considered and agreed to

RESOLUTION

Commemorating and acknowledging the dedication and sacrifice made by the men and women who have lost their lives while serving as law enforcement officers.

Whereas the well-being of all citizens of the United States is preserved and enhanced as a direct result of the vigilance and dedication of law enforcement personnel;

Whereas more than 900,000 men and women, at great risk to their personal safety, presently serve their fellow citizens as guardians of the peace;

Whereas peace officers are on the front lines in protecting the schools and schoolchildren of the United States;

Whereas 181 peace officers across the United States were killed in the line of duty during 2007, tragically the highest yearly total since 2001;

Whereas Congress should strongly support initiatives to reduce violent crime and to increase the factors that contribute to the safety of law enforcement officers, including—

(1)

better equipment and increased use of bullet-resistant vests;

(2)

improved training; and

(3)

advanced emergency medical care;

Whereas, every 2 days on average, 1 out of every 16 peace officers is assaulted, 1 out of every 56 peace officers is injured, and 1 out of every 5,500 peace officers is killed in the line of duty somewhere in the United States; and

Whereas, on May 15, 2008, more than 20,000 peace officers are expected to gather in Washington, District of Columbia, to join with the families of their recently fallen comrades to honor those comrades and all others who went before them: Now, therefore, be it

That the Senate—

(1)

recognizes May 15, 2008, as Peace Officers Memorial Day, in honor of the Federal, State, and local law enforcement officers that have been killed or disabled in the line of duty; and

(2)

calls on the people of the United States to observe that day with appropriate ceremonies, appreciation, and respect.