IV 

118TH CONGRESS 

1ST SESSION H. RES. 285 

Establishing a ‘‘Bill of Rights’’ to support United States law enforcement 

personnel nationwide in their work to protect our communities. 

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 

APRIL 10, 2023 

Mr. D’ESPOSITO (for himself, Mr. WILLIAMS of New York, Mr. GARBARINO, 

Mr. STAUBER, Mr. LAWLER, Mr. LALOTA, Mr. FITZPATRICK, Ms. 

TENNEY, Mr. DONALDS, Ms. MALLIOTAKIS, Mr. MEUSER, and Mr. 

WEBER of Texas) submitted the following resolution; which was referred 

to the Committee on the Judiciary 

RESOLUTION 

Establishing a ‘‘Bill of Rights’’ to support United States 

law enforcement personnel nationwide in their work to 

protect our communities. 

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

should be strictly maintained; 

Whereas 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, law enforcement should 

have certain rights to ensure a fair administration of justice, including— 


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•HRES 285 IH 

(1) a law enforcement officer’s inherent right to selfdefense against physical threats; 

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

(3) a law enforcement officer’s right to be protected 

from physical harassment targeting a law enforcement officer; 

(4) a law enforcement officer’s right to equipment 

necessary for personal protection; 

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

a union representative present at any interview conducted 

as part of an investigation; 

(6) a 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 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 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 law enforcement officer’s right to have the opportunity to respond to adverse accusations; and 

(10) a law enforcement officer’s right to not be disciplined for exercising a Fifth Amendment right to reVerDate Sep 11 2014 22:13 Apr 10, 2023 Jkt 039200 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6300 E:\BILLS\HR285.IH HR285

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•HRES 285 IH 

main 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 

of 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 law enforcement personnel for protections related to investigation and prosecution arising 

from conduct during official performance of duties; 

Whereas the law enforcement community protects our streets, 

acknowledges the rights of all Americans, and keeps citizens safe from harm; 

Whereas law enforcement officers are recognized for their 

public service to all, knowing they face extremely dangerous situations while carrying out their duties; and 

Whereas a healthy and collaborative relationship between law 

enforcement officers and the communities they serve is 

essential to creating mutually respectful dialogue: Now, 

therefore, be it 

1 Resolved, That the House of Representatives— 

2 (1) recognizes all law enforcement agencies and 

3 officers for their tireless work to protect us and 

4 make our communities safer; 

5 (2) condemns calls to ‘‘defund’’, ‘‘disband’’, 

6 ‘‘dismantle’’, or ‘‘abolish’’ the police; 

7 (3) encourages dialogue between law enforce8 ment and their respective communities to improve 


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•HRES 285 IH 

1 public safety, and engage all of society’s stake2 holders; and 

3 (4) respects the rights of police officers to carry 

4 out their duties to protect our communities with in5 tegrity and have essential protections during the 

6 course of investigations. 

Æ 


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