H.R. 218 & S. 253
The Law Enforcement Officers’ Safety Act

THE FACTS: H.R. 218 will help stop and deter crime throughout the country.

U.S. Justice Department surveys showed 57 percent of convicts were "more worried about their victims being armed than being caught by the police," and 40 percent said they "decided at least once not to commit a crime because a victim might be armed."

  • In a time where Homeland Security is paramount, H.R. 218/S.253 gives America countless additional trained and armed first responders at no additional cost to the taxpayers. There’s a long history of armed off duty officers coming to the rescue in life threatening situations ­ H.R. 218 and S. 253 will make that reality even more plausible by expanding the areas where our officers can be equipped for the emergencies they are trained to respond to.
     
  • H.R. 218 and S. 253 give off-duty, as well as retired, police officers Right To Carry reciprocity throughout the nation in order to help prevent crime in our communities. All too often, current and retired officers come upon situations in which they can prevent violent crime and save lives. It is common sense they continue to have the tool of their trade available to serve and protect.
     
  • H.R. 218 and S. 253 realize the need for retired officers to have the opportunity to protect themselves and their families. The oath to serve and protect our communities is not nullified when officers retire. They are just as trustworthy as they were when they were employed by an agency full-time.
     
  • H.R. 218 and S. 253 will allow tens of thousands of additionally equipped, trained and certified law enforcement officers to continually serve and protect our communities regardless of jurisdiction or duty status at no cost to taxpayers.
     
  • H.R. 218 and S. 253 provide both current and retired officers the means to defend themselves and their families from the hardened, often vengeful criminals they have previously arrested.
     
  • H.R. 218 and S. 253 provide clear, uniform nationwide rules to replace the variety of local laws that create confusion and uncertainty as to whether an officer may or may not carry a firearm when he or she is off duty.