Convention Resolution

Resolution 43: Concerns of Police Survivors

Submitted by the International Union of Police Associations

Referred to the Resolutions Committee

WHEREAS, a total of 1,539 law enforcement officers died in the line of duty over the past 10 years, affecting as many families and law enforcement agencies; and

WHEREAS, COPS provides training to law enforcement agencies on survivor victimization issues as well as training and assistance to agencies on how to respond to the tragic loss of a law enforcement officer; and

WHEREAS, COPS educates the public of the need to support the law enforcement profession and its survivors; and

WHEREAS, COPS provides resources to assist in the rebuilding of the lives of surviving families and affected co-workers of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty; and

WHEREAS, support volunteers from COPS will attend the trial of a cop-killer with the family, offering knowledge of the rights of survivors during legal proceedings and assisting surviving families who wish to make a victim impact statement; and

WHEREAS, the National Office of COPS, per the request of a survivor, will initiate a letter-writing campaign from law enforcement survivors when a cop-killer is being considered for parole; and

WHEREAS, COPS offers a number of special events, retreats and programs to support the spouses, parents, children, siblings, and co-workers of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty, be it

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the AFL-CIO endorses and supports the continued efforts of COPS to assist and provide support to all of those affected when a law enforcement officer is killed in the line of duty and to continue to raise awareness of the increased violence toward law enforcement officers as well as to educate the public of the need to support law enforcement officers and their survivors.