Cedar Rapids Today

Congresswoman Hinson (R-IA-02) has announced the House passage of the bipartisan, bicameral Improving Law Enforcement Officer Safety and Wellness Through Data Act. This legislation, which she helped introduce in March 2024 alongside Reps. Dan Bishop (R-NC-08), Jim Costa (D-CA-21), and Henry Cuellar (D-TX-28), has also seen companion legislation introduced in the Senate by Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM).

Congresswoman Hinson expressed her views on the matter, stating, “Anti-police rhetoric has fueled a corresponding rise in violence against law enforcement officers, not only putting them in physical danger but negatively impacting their mental health. Brave law enforcement officers in Iowa and across the country put their lives on the line to protect our communities. They always have our backs, and this bill will ensure we fully have theirs as well. I am proud to lead this bipartisan effort and will continue to back the blue amid growing disrespect for law enforcement."

In 2023, data showed that 378 officers were shot in the line of duty and there were 115 ambush-style attacks on law enforcement. The importance of collecting accurate data regarding violent attacks, including ambushes, on police officers is paramount as these incidents often go unrecorded. Anti-police rhetoric and violence have a significant negative impact on officers’ mental health and wellness.

The Improving Law Enforcement Officer Safety and Wellness Through Data Act aims to support law enforcement officers by increasing the categories of information that can be voluntarily reported regarding anti-police attacks; directing the Justice Department to explore adding escalatory aggression to its reports; shedding light on the mental health and stress-related impacts of aggressive activity or trauma on law enforcement; and exploring the availability and extent to which mental health resources for officers are used.