To Shield Those Who Shield Us: The National Police Association Renews Its Call for the Protect and Serve Act

INDIANAPOLIS, Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- While policing has always been a dangerous profession, officers are now at increased risk of being killed, ambushed, or assaulted simply for wearing a badge. Last year alone, 85,730 officers were assaulted in the United States, setting a 10-year record, per the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). In direct response to these unsettling numbers, members of Congress have introduced the Protect and Serve Act of 2025 (S. 167 / H.R. 1551). This bipartisan bill makes it easier for federal prosecutors to hold those who deliberately target police officers to account. The bill was introduced in the Senate by Sen. Thom Tillis (NC) and in the House by Rep. John Rutherford (FL-5). The text for the Senate bill is here; the House bill is here.

The Protect and Serve Act of 2025 creates a new federal crime for intentionally targeting a federal, state, or local police officer with violence. An offender convicted of assaulting an officer and causing severe injury would face a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment. Killing, attempting to kill, or kidnapping an officer could result in a possible term of life imprisonment.

"The Protect and Serve Act is a solid bill that was first introduced in Congress in 2018. Since that time, tens of thousands of law enforcement officers have been ambushed, killed, or assaulted solely because of their profession," said Paula Fitzsimmons, Legislative Director, National Police Association. "It's far past time to send a clarifying message that harming an officer of the law will result in serious legal repercussions," Fitzsimmons added.

The NPA extends its gratitude to Sen. Tillis and Rep. Rutherford for introducing the Protect and Serve Act of 2025, a bill that creates a new federal crime for knowingly injuring a federal, state, or local police officer. We believe this law will act as a deterrent, while holding to account those who do cross the line into criminality. We urge members of Congress to prioritize this bill by scheduling a Judiciary Committee hearing at their earliest convenience. Just as our nation's law enforcement officers work every day to protect us, they too deserve to be shielded. The time to act is now.

About the National Police Association: The National Police Association (NPA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting law enforcement through advocacy, education, and the courts. For more information, visit NationalPolice.org.

Contact:
Paula Fitzsimmons
3024691765
[email protected]

SOURCE National Police Association