NAPO OUTRAGED THAT RIGHT TO CARRY BILL FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS DIES IN HOUSE

As background, in the 106th Congress, NAPO obtained sponsors Representative Rogan and Representative Rothman and supported the "National Assistance for Police Officer Safety Act of 1999," H.R. 1461. This proposed legislation would have created an exemption for qualified active law enforcement officers from state laws prohibiting the carrying of concealed weapons. NAPO decided at that point to focus on the right of active officers, due to the bill's demise in the 105th Congress when an amendment was added that would have created a 'National Right to Carry Standard' for all citizens; that expansion of the scope of the bill a mostly bipartisan law enforcement bill into a partisan and contentious piece of legislation.

Shortly thereafter, NAPO worked in consultation with Congressmen Rogan and Cunningham on an amendment to be attached to the "Mandatory Background Checks at Gun Shows," H.R. 2122. This amendment included both retired and active law enforcement officers and was essentially H.R. 218 in its original form. This was done with the clear understanding that NAPO would support a bill for only active and retired law enforcement officers and not for all citizens. It is this version that has been voted down by the House.

While the bill stood a good chance of passing, regrettably, it became entwined with other controversial gun control legislation. Our support and efforts on behalf of this legislation did not go unnoticed. "This amendment has broad support from the law enforcement community including the National Association of Police Organizations. NAPO represents over [220,000] sworn law enforcement officers. NAPO has been a long-time advocate for pursuing the ability for cops to carry their guns across state lines, and I have been privileged to work with them closely on this issue," said Congressman James E. Rogan (R-CA) on the floor of the House when introducing this amendment today.

"On behalf of the 220,000 sworn law enforcement officers represented by NAPO, I'd like to thank Representatives James Rogan (R-CA), Randy Cunningham (R-CA), George Gekas (R-PA) and James Traficant (D-OH) for their efforts to fix this crazy patchwork of inconsistent laws across the United States, varying state-by-state and jurisdiction-by-jurisdiction, as to the lawfulness of law enforcement officers carrying weapons," said Robert T. Scully, NAPO's executive director. "However, NAPO is quite dismayed by the House of Representative's failure to pass this important piece of legislation," continued Scully. "NAPO will not let our efforts to pass this legislation fade. This is one of our top priorities," said Scully.

"A right to carry bill is necessary and beneficial to the general welfare of both the public and the law enforcement community. The right to carry will help to protect law enforcement officers and their families who may be marked targets by criminals. Criminals are not deterred by state statutes or prevented from going outside of jurisdictional lines, when seeking retribution and revenge against law enforcement officers. Also, there will be an additional protection to our streets and communities, as trained law enforcement officers travel outside of their jurisdictions," continued Scully.

The National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO) is a coalition of police unions and associations from across the United States that serves in Washington, DC to advance the interests of America's law enforcement officers through legislative and legal advocacy, political action and education. Founded in 1978, NAPO now represents 4,000 police organizations and more than 220,000 sworn law enforcement officers.
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