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 ‘‘abol-
ish’’ the police should be condemned and rule of law 
should be strictly maintained; 
Whereas law enforcement officers take an oath to never be-
tray 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 jus-
tice, including— 
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•HRES 285 IH 
(1) a law enforcement officer’s inherent right to self- 
defense against physical threats; 
(2) a law enforcement officer’s right to legal re-
course if a civilian attempts to assault the law enforce-
ment officer; 
(3) a law enforcement officer’s right to be protected 
from physical harassment targeting a law enforcement of-
ficer; 
(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 investiga-
tion a 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 law enforcement officer’s right to a hearing, 
with notification in advance of the date, access to tran-
scripts, other relevant documents, and evidence; 
(9) a law enforcement officer’s right to have the op-
portunity to respond to adverse accusations; and 
(10) a law enforcement officer’s right to not be dis-
ciplined for exercising a Fifth Amendment right to re-
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•HRES 285 IH 
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 
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 pro-
tections 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 citi-
zens safe from harm; 
Whereas law enforcement officers are recognized for their 
public service to all, knowing they face extremely dan-
gerous 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 
Resolved, That the House of Representatives— 
(1) recognizes all law enforcement agencies and 
officers for their tireless work to protect us and 
make our communities safer; 
(2) condemns calls to ‘‘defund’’, ‘‘disband’’, 
‘‘dismantle’’, or ‘‘abolish’’ the police; 
(3) encourages dialogue between law enforce-
ment and their respective communities to improve 
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•HRES 285 IH 
public safety, and engage all of society’s stake-
holders; and 
(4) respects the rights of police officers to carry 
out their duties to protect our communities with in-
tegrity and have essential protections during the 
course of investigations. 
Æ 
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