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For Immediate Release |
Contact: Ted Deeds |
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Police Group Calls on Congress to Adopt the “Consensus Plan” Washington DC Law Enforcement Alliance of America (LEAA), the nation’s largest coalition of law enforcement professionals, crime victims and concerned citizens, has urged Congress to take action on an important matter of public safety. Police, Fire and other Emergency radio communications are facing a growing problem of interference that impairs the ability to safely communicate. This is a dangerous problem that puts the lives of America’s first responders and the public at risk. LEAA has urged Congress to act in directing the federal government to adopt a solution known as the “consensus plan”. LEAA’s support for the Consensus Plan is backed by the International Association of Chiefs of Police, The National Sheriffs’ Association, the International Association of Fire Chiefs and the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials. At the local level, more than 800 public safety agencies and organizations have lent their support to the Consensus Plan. LEAA Executive Director James J. Fotis, a retired police officer from New York stated, “the problem is real and America cannot afford to neglect the communications network that police officers, fire fighters and paramedics depend on. This is a pressing Homeland Security issue that must be addressed.” LEAA sent the following letter to Members of Congress, urging their support for prompt action on the Consensus Plan: The Law Enforcement Alliance of America (LEAA) is the nation’s largest non-profit, non-partisan coalition of law enforcement professionals, crime victims and concerned citizens united for justice. We have a strong interest in public policy changes affecting law enforcement officers. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) should take swift action on behalf of our members and first responders across America to approve the Consensus Plan to improve the safety and communications capability of our members. First responders and members of our organization are on the front lines during emergencies including law enforcement activities, fires and mass disasters. These officers must have reliable and clear communications during emergencies to protect life. Whether it is getting information about an emergency, or coordinating activities to respond to a disaster, clear communications may be the difference between a successful or failed life saving attempt. The difficulty that local law enforcement and public safety departments have in dealing with this problem is magnified when you consider the size of the majority of America’s law enforcement agencies. More than 75% of America’s state and local law enforcement agencies employed less than 25 officers and more than half employ less than 10. These agencies lack the manpower to troubleshoot critical communications problems, much less have their voice heard in Washington on such a crucial public safety issue. LEAA has long been an advocate in Congress and state legislatures, for critical officer safety issues. We believe that the ability of our nation’s first responders to communicate properly is one of the most important public safety issues at hand. LEAA believes that the FCC should take immediate action to approve the Consensus Plan, which has the support of those who know the problem best our nation’s public safety professionals and law enforcement organizations. It is the only viable plan that will virtually eliminate interference, without any cost to the taxpayers, while providing additional spectrum capacity for enhanced safety for families, law enforcement officers and all Americans. We join the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials-International, International Association of Chiefs of Police, National Sheriffs’ Association and the International Association of Fire Chiefs and other major national public safety associations in supporting the Consensus Plan. Over 900 governmental and grass roots public safety agencies or officials have endorsed the Consensus Plan because it will prevent public safety interference from occurring, while also providing needed additional public safety spectrum to support Homeland Security and facilitate interoperability. LEAA’s membership will be active on this issue and we intend to continue educating members of Congress about the merits of the Consensus Plan. We respectfully urge you to join us and many of your constituents in support of the plan. We look forward to working together with you to help our first responders get the tools they need and provide clear communications capabilities. It has been nearly three years since September 11th and more than two years since the FCC has considered the Consensus Plan for approval, in such a matter of public safety, time is not ours to continue to waste. Thank you in advance for your consideration of this important matter. Sincerely, # # # Learn more about LEAA's support of Bill Pryor. With over 75,000 Members and Supporters nationwide, the Law Enforcement Alliance of America (LEAA) is the nation’s largest coalition of law enforcement professionals, crime victims and concerned citizens, united for justice. |
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