Representative Angie Craig Set to Introduce Resolution to Connect Lawmakers to Local Law Enforcement

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Angie Craig announced her plans to introduce the Ride-Along Resolution, which would require each Member of the House to participate in a ride-along with a law enforcement officer within their District during their first year in Congress.

"Over the past few months, I have had the honor of joining Burnsville Police Officer Mark Hetherington and Dakota County Sheriff Tim Leslie for a few ride-alongs. These experiences have provided critical insight into the uncertain – and often dangerous – situations our local law enforcement officers in the Second District face," said Representative Craig. "That's why I am introducing a resolution to require every Member of the House to participate in a ride-along in their own District. I'm hopeful that with the passage of this resolution, my colleagues will gain insight into the challenges and obstacles facing their local law enforcement agencies and ensure that Congress steps up to the plate to give our officers the resources they need as they work to protect our communities."

In Congress, Representative Craig has made it a priority to increase support for police officers and their families and to ensure that local police departments have the funding they need to do their jobs safely and effectively. Last month, Representative Craig's bipartisan Public Safety Officer Support Act, legislation that she helped introduce and pass after hearing the story of South St. Paul Police Sergeant Cory Slifko, was signed into law. This bill will ensure that officers can access disability benefits for post-traumatic stress disorder – and that families of officers who lost their lives to trauma-linked suicide can apply for the death benefits that they deserve.

Additionally, she helped introduce the Invest to Protect Act, which would provide $50 million in grants for small and mid-sized police departments to invest in training, equipment, personnel support and mental health resources. Earlier this summer, she cosponsored the bipartisan Pathways to Policing Act, to boost law enforcement recruitment in all communities and encourage those who have non-traditional educational or career backgrounds to seek employment in law enforcement. She has worked hand-in-hand with local law enforcement leaders to draft and submit applications for federal grant dollars to support hiring, equipment and technology programs – including police departments in South St. Paul, West St. Paul, Burnsville and Inver Grove Heights.

###