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 en-
forcement 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 up-
holding the rule of law and ensuring public safety; 
Whereas local law enforcement officers selflessly put them-
selves in harm’s way to fight crime, get drugs off our 
streets, and protect the innocent; 
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Whereas, in the summer of 2020, looting, rioting, and vio-
lence 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 depart-
ments across the country and actively encouraged resent-
ment toward local law enforcement; 
Whereas the defund the police movement vilifies and demon-
izes local law enforcement officers and puts them at 
greater risk of danger; 
Whereas many local jurisdictions defunded their police de-
partments and saw a subsequent increase in violent 
crime; 
Whereas calls to ‘‘defund’’, ‘‘disband’’, ‘‘dismantle’’, or ‘‘abol-
ish’’ 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 re-
course if a civilian attempts to assault the local law en-
forcement officer; 
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(3) a local law enforcement officer’s right to be pro-
tected from physical harassment targeting a local law en-
forcement officer; 
(4) a local law enforcement officer’s right to equip-
ment 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 in-
formed of the nature of the investigation before any 
interview commences, including the name of the com-
plainant and sufficient information to reasonably apprise 
the officer of the allegations; 
(7) during questioning in the course of an investiga-
tion a local law enforcement officer’s right— 
(A) to not be subjected to any offensive lan-
guage; 
(B) to not be threatened with departmental, 
civil, or criminal charges; and 
(C) to not receive financial or promotional in-
ducement; 
(8) a local law enforcement officer’s right to a hear-
ing, 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 re-
main silent unless granted immunity that such state-
ments 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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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 aris-
ing 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 
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 
concurring), That Congress— 
(1) recognizes and appreciates the dedication 
and devotion demonstrated by the men and women 
of local law enforcement who keep our communities 
safe; and 
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(2) condemns calls to defund, disband, dis-
mantle, or abolish the police. 
Passed the House of Representatives May 18, 2023. 
Attest: 
CHERYL L. JOHNSON, 
Clerk. 
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