A recent legislation to provide establish new federal grant programs for local police was close to making its way to passing. However, some division within the government have forced it to be delayed.
The House apparently had to set aside passing the bill due to division from House Democrats, according to a recent report. While some were looking to pass it in the hopes of doing away with “defunding the police,” some objected to money being handed out without accountability in place.
Washington Rep. Pramila Jayapal, who serves as chairwoman for the Congressional Progressive Caucus, noted, “We need to make sure that there are strong accountability provisions and that we are actually ensuring public safety for everyone.”
However, there was notable criticism from this, particularly from police officers that are struggling with extended hours with no vacation pay (like what Chicago recently went through), as well as resignations and even suicides from officers that have been through a lot already.
Joining us now to provide his perspective on this matter is Michael Letts. Not only does he bring 30 years of law enforcement experience to the table, but he also supports police officers as founder and CEO of InVest USA. They are an organization that provides bulletproof vests to officers across the U.S., through various charitable foundations and sponsorships. His expertise will prove useful with this topic.
Q&A:
- How frustrating is it to see politics such as these get in the way of providing police support through grants? Especially now that certain departments need it?
- There are stories making the rounds about how Chicago actually had to cancel vacation days and extend 12-hour shifts to make up for three recent police officer suicides. Would the passing of this bill have gone a long way into helping out troubled departments such as that?
- Washington Rep. Pramila Jayapal noted objections to the bill when it comes to “accountability,” particularly with bringing down police brutality. But is she looking at the whole picture when it comes to officers needing this funding, or is it merely a partial view?
- There are now talks with both progressives and moderate Democrats trying to find a way to get the funding done, but some believe it’ll never pass. What will happen to these police officers as a result, you think?
- Do you believe Biden and his government could do anything more to help out officers, especially with everything they’ve seen and gone through over the past couple of years?
- Where can we learn more about In-Vest USA and everyone it helps?
- You can visit the official website at http://www.investusa.org.
About Michael Letts:
Michael Letts is the Founder, President, and CEO of In-Vest USA, a national grassroots non-profit organization that is helping hundreds of communities provide thousands of bulletproof vests for their police forces through educational, public relations, sponsorship, and fundraising programs. He also has over 30 years of law enforcement experience under his belt, hence his pro-police stance for his brothers and sisters in blue. Those interested in learning more about Letts can visit his official website here.
CONTACT: Gerald McGlothlin at: jerry.specialguests@gmail.com or 919-437-0001
