Senate Bill S-819 Law Enforcement Retirement Coverage for CBP Officers

I am writing in support of S-819. This bill seeks to correct an inequity that denies federal law enforcement retirement to many uniformed federal police officers.

S-819 parallels H.R. 1841. These address the current disparity in federal law enforcement retirement, by including U.S. Postal Police and our fellow excluded federal officers who enforce federal, state and local laws. As police officers, we make arrests, and risk our lives protecting others. We are routinely threatened and assaulted in the line of duty..our officers have been beaten, stabbed, shot, and even killed. At retirement, however, we are not recognized as law enforcement. We are only truly recognized as law enforcement when our names are placed on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial..after losing our lives in the line of duty.

Aside from correcting the inequity for officers and their families, the bill's passage would help stem the tide of officers leaving our ranks to receive the recognition that local police agencies provide. The turnover we experience is costly in terms of training costs, and the lack of law enforcement retirement also prevents the attainment of the young and vigorous force needed on this job.

As federal officers we drive marked police vehicles with law enforcement emergency lights and sirens. While performing our duties, we carry a firearm; wear bullet-resistant body armor; and wear a uniform that while deterring some..serves as a target to others. We conduct preliminary investigations, and respond to robberies, burglaries, and other emergencies. Also, as we drive between federal facilities, we are often called upon to assist local police, and persons in need off federal property.
As an officer, we are held to a higher standard than others..a law enforcement standard.

I call on you today to recognize the unique and very hazardous work that is performed daily by all federal law enforcement officers, by bringing fairness to the existing law. Please show your support for law enforcement..co-sponsor HR 1841 and S-819.

I thank you for your continued support to all of our men and women, serving in the police officer uniform.