III 

118TH CONGRESS 

1ST SESSION H. CON. RES. 40 

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES 

MAY 30, 2023 

Received and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary 

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 

Expressing support for local law enforcement officers and 

condemning efforts to defund or dismantle local law enforcement agencies. 

Whereas our brave men and women in local law enforcement 

work tirelessly to protect the communities they serve; 

Whereas local law enforcement officers are tasked with upholding the rule of law and ensuring public safety; 

Whereas local law enforcement officers selflessly put themselves in harm’s way to fight crime, get drugs off our 

streets, and protect the innocent; 


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HCON 40 RFS 

Whereas, in the summer of 2020, looting, rioting, and violence in major cities caused the destruction of many 

shops, restaurants, and businesses; 

Whereas, in 2020, the United States tallied more than 

21,000 murders—the highest total since 1995 and 4,900 

more than in 2019; 

Whereas leftist activists and progressive politicians called for 

the defunding and dismantling of local police departments across the country and actively encouraged resentment toward local law enforcement; 

Whereas the defund the police movement vilifies and demonizes local law enforcement officers and puts them at 

greater risk of danger; 

Whereas many local jurisdictions defunded their police departments and saw a subsequent increase in violent 

crime; 

Whereas calls to ‘‘defund’’, ‘‘disband’’, ‘‘dismantle’’, or ‘‘abolish’’ the police should be condemned and rule of law 

should be strictly maintained; 

Whereas local law enforcement officers take an oath to never 

betray the public trust; 

Whereas in the course of investigations into officers who have 

allegedly exhibited misconduct, local law enforcement 

should have certain rights to ensure a fair administration 

of justice, including— 

(1) a local law enforcement officer’s inherent right 

to self-defense against physical threats; 

(2) a local law enforcement officer’s right to legal recourse if a civilian attempts to assault the local law enforcement officer; 


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HCON 40 RFS 

(3) a local law enforcement officer’s right to be protected from physical harassment targeting a local law enforcement officer; 

(4) a local law enforcement officer’s right to equipment necessary for personal protection; 

(5) a local law enforcement officer’s right to counsel 

or a representative present at any interview conducted as 

part of an investigation; 

(6) a local law enforcement officer’s right to be informed of the nature of the investigation before any 

interview commences, including the name of the complainant and sufficient information to reasonably apprise 

the officer of the allegations; 

(7) during questioning in the course of an investigation a local law enforcement officer’s right— 

(A) to not be subjected to any offensive language; 

(B) to not be threatened with departmental, 

civil, or criminal charges; and 

(C) to not receive financial or promotional inducement; 

(8) a local law enforcement officer’s right to a hearing, with notification in advance of the date, access to 

transcripts, other relevant documents, and evidence; 

(9) a local law enforcement officer’s right to have 

the opportunity to respond to adverse accusations; and 

(10) a local law enforcement officer’s right to not be 

disciplined for exercising a Fifth Amendment right to remain silent unless granted immunity that such statements will not be used against the officer in any criminal 

proceeding; 

Whereas in order to ensure these investigations are conducted 

in a manner that protects the public, respects the rights 


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HCON 40 RFS 

of local law enforcement personnel, and is conducive to 

good order and discipline; 

Whereas States across the country are encouraged to adopt 

a ‘‘Bill of Rights’’ for local law enforcement personnel for 

protections related to investigation and prosecution arising from conduct during official performance of duties; 

Whereas the local law enforcement community protects our 

streets, acknowledges the rights of all Americans, and 

keeps citizens safe from harm; 

Whereas local law enforcement officers are recognized for 

their public service to all, knowing they face extremely 

dangerous situations while carrying out their duties; 

Whereas a healthy and collaborative relationship between 

local law enforcement officers and the communities they 

serve is essential to creating mutually respectful dialogue; 

Whereas violent leftist extremists have repeatedly attacked 

and assaulted local law enforcement officers; and 

Whereas local law enforcement officers deserve our respect 

and profound gratitude: Now, therefore, be it 

1 Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 

2 concurring), That Congress— 

3 (1) recognizes and appreciates the dedication 

4 and devotion demonstrated by the men and women 

5 of local law enforcement who keep our communities 

6 safe; and 


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1 (2) condemns calls to defund, disband, dis2 mantle, or abolish the police. 

Passed the House of Representatives May 18, 2023. 

Attest: CHERYL L. JOHNSON, 

Clerk. 


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