Another Huge Win for Law Enforcement Coupled With a Disappointment

In a previous post, I shared news that the National Police Association (NPA), in partnership with the Police Officers’ Defense Coalition, had filed an amicus brief in support of the named officers.

The brief argued that bodyweight compression is a non-deadly technique that police agencies across the country teach to prevent escalation; and that officers are entitled to qualified immunity protections unless their actions violated clearly established law.

The U.S. Supreme Court agreed with the brief.

This is a big deal because it strengthens qualified immunity protections for police officers, especially when it applies to use-of-force. It sets a precedent that will push lower courts toward a stricter application of the Doctrine.

The NPA submitted yet another amicus brief, in concert with the United Coalition of Public Safety, on a case involving officer self-defense.

In a unanimous ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected the moment-of-threat doctrine as being too narrow. And it reaffirmed the Graham v. Connor standard, which maintains that excessive force claims require evaluation of the totality of circumstances and that courts can consider events that lead up to the use-of-force.

Betsy Brantner-Smith, NPA spokesperson, summed up the ruling best.

"This case has always been about a simple and critical principle: police officers have the right to defend themselves when confronted with a deadly threat," said Betsy Brantner Smith, retired sergeant and spokesperson for the National Police Association. "Officers cannot be expected to stand by while a suspect turns a vehicle into a weapon."

Given that National Police Week begins on Sunday, this is the time we should be seeing an increase in police bills scheduled for deliberation.

Of the 35 or so bills we’re tracking, however, these are what’s on tap.

Senate Judiciary Committee. Hearing on Fighting Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Act of 2025 (S. 825). Mandates the U.S. Department of Justice to propose a PTSD treatment program for police officers and other first responders, similar to what’s currently available to U.S. military members.

General Union (House) calendar. Deliberations on Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2025 (S. 1404 / H.R. 2853). Equips police agencies with resources to fight organized retail crime syndicates. Creates a specialized center, housed within DHS to allow federal, state, local law enforcement agencies, and private sector partners, to coordinate enforcement activities via a central sharing system.

The House will also discuss a resolution (H.Res. 1252) introduced last minute, to memorialize officers killed in the line of duty.

Protect and Serve Act. Qualified Immunity Act. Tribal Police Department Parity Act. Fuel the Force Act. PEARL Act. Halo Act. No Bounties on Badges Act. Strengthening Resources for Our Schools (SROS) Act. LEO K9 Protection Act. U.S. Park Police Modernization Act.

And every other impactful bill designed to protect officers and advance public safety.

We’ve stepped up our lobbying efforts. The lawmakers we meet with profess their support for law enforcement. Lawmakers claim to support the Blue on social media.

Yet during the most important week of the year for law enforcement, when it matters the most, those words have not been followed by action.

The Executive and Judicial branches of federal government have been doing their due diligence. What about the Legislative branch?

These bills would stand a better chance if lawmakers were to hear from their constituents en masse. This is not happening, unfortunately. And it needs to be happening, because we’re up against a goliath.

While the Supreme Court wins should indeed instill us with a sense of hope, there is still so much more work to be done on the legislative side.

Members of our coalition are headed to Capitol Hill to meet with lawmakers starting early next week and we’ll continue until the midterm elections. Our inaugural event was held last May.

One of the best ways we can honor our heroes is by ensuring impactful bills make it across the finish line this session. So, please, if you do one thing, please call your federal lawmakers asking them to prioritize the bills mentioned above.

If you’re looking for additional ideas on how to support police officers, this article (albeit from 2022) has some ideas.

Even offering your gratitude to an officer when you see one makes a huge difference.

For the Blue is a solutions-based initiative. I’m just an American patriot asking questions. I don’t work with any political party and I answer to nobody. For me, the health of the nation, due process (including for police officers), the rule of law, and respect for individual liberties, will always transcend party affiliation. I welcome your thoughts, even if you disagree; though personal attacks will be ignored. You can reach me at fortheblue@substack.com.