We cannot become numb to gun violence in our streets or mass shootings in our schools or places of worship. Thoughts and prayers are not enough. Frankly, we need action. Our communities can’t wait any longer.
They should be confident that if there is an emergency, trained first responders will arrive to protect them. That starts with ensuring they are well-equipped and well-trained to effectively react to any situation, and citizens can get the best response possible from law enforcement, firefighters, and emergency medical services.
We can’t allow carnage to continue to traumatize our communities, whether it’s daily gun violence in the streets, suicide, drug addiction, or horrific mass shootings. We cannot become numb to this. Thoughts and prayers are not enough. Frankly, we need action.
From his years as New Castle County Executive where he oversaw the second largest police force in the state, Senator Coons knows how important a strong police department is to the health of a community – and how hard it can be to recruit and retain the officers who help them thrive. Congress can support our nation’s officers by passing legislation to make recruitment easier and to fund police departments – especially in rural areas. We can make our officers and communities safer by keeping guns away from dangerous people, and by funding mental health services and mental health responders.
As a Co-Chair of the bipartisan Senate Law Enforcement Caucus, Senator Coons is committed to protecting those who protect and serve our communities. He has worked across the aisle to ensure that our law enforcement officers are equipped to face the challenges of today, whether that means expanding federal grant programs for local police departments or ensuring that we’re investing in mental health services for law enforcement officers. Senator Coons is a co-Chair of the Senate Law Enforcement Caucus.