Law Enforcement Groups Try to Reassure Members as Uncertainty Swirls
Law enforcement organizations are trying to reassure members during this uncertain time, as the Trump Administration pushes ahead with job cuts.
The Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA) sent a message to all members trying to set the record straight on the organization’s position and advocacy on behalf of members.
In a post from National President Mathew Silverman, FLEOA stressed that it is a non-partisan organization, and its goal is “represent each of you to the best of our ability, no matter the political climate.”
FLEOA reminded members that recent social media posts congratulating appointees were not an endorsement of the Trump Administration's policies but were simply congratulatory in nature.
“I understand there has been frustration with these posts, but please know they are made with the goal of representing our members in the strongest and best possible way, ensuring we maintain positive relationships with those who may influence decisions which directly affect you,” wrote Silverman.
FLEOA also noted membership is required before the organization can provide legal assistance.
Recognizing Women in Law Enforcement
Meanwhile, Women in Federal Law Enforcement (WIFLE), the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives (NAWLEE), and the 30x30 project are recognizing March as Women’s History Month and honoring the contributions of female law enforcement officers.
In a joint LinkedIn post, the organizations speak of the recent changes under the Trump Administration.
“All of us have received questions about whether and how these changes might affect our missions. The answer is simple: they do not. Our mission is more important now than ever,” stated the post.
The organizations noted that women are still underrepresented in law enforcement and called on “all agencies, leaders, and allies to take concrete steps to strengthen their commitment to advancing and supporting women in law enforcement as a matter of public safety.”
Keeping FBI Agents on the Job
The Federal Bureau of Investigation Agents Association (FBIAA) sent a letter to Congressional leaders about the nearly 1,000 FBI special agents who are on probationary status.
In the letter, the organization asks Congress to work with President Trump to ensure that Special Agents completing probationary status are not terminated or placed on leave solely because of their probationary status.
The letter notes that probationary status for FBI Special Agents refers to the “one to two years following a detailed background investigation and extensive training at the FBI Academy at Quantico.”
“Displacing these rank-and-file public servants would create a gap in the FBI workforce that could be devastating to the FBI’s mission—one that would take approximately twenty years to fill with new Special Agents,” stated the FBIAA.