Across the United States, law enforcement officers are increasingly being targeted simply because of the badge they wear. From routine patrols to high-risk calls, officers face not only the inherent dangers of the job—but also a growing threat of intentional, targeted violence.

That is why Police Officers’ Defense Coalition (PODC) strongly supports the Protect and Serve Act (H.R. 1551/S.167), critical legislation that ensures those who deliberately target law enforcement officers face serious federal consequences.

What the Protect and Serve Act Does

The Protect and Serve Act establishes clear federal criminal penalties for individuals who intentionally target law enforcement officers because of their status. Under this legislation offenders can face up to 10 years in federal prison for targeting an officer and penalties increase to life imprisonment if the attack results in death or kidnapping. This ensures that attacks on law enforcement are treated as the serious federal crimes they are, rather than isolated or localized incidents.

Violence against law enforcement is not only increasing—it is becoming more targeted and deliberate. Officers today face the constant threat of ambush-style attacks, retaliatory violence, and attacks tied directly to their role as law enforcement. Without strong federal protections, these acts are often prosecuted inconsistently across jurisdictions. The Protect and Serve Act creates a uniform national standard, reinforcing that targeting a police officer is not just an attack on an individual, it’s an attack on public safety itself.

Senator Thom Tillis, who re-introduced the Senate bill in 2025, stated: “Those who commit senseless acts of violence against law enforcement officers must be held accountable for their actions, which is why I am proud to reintroduce these bills that create federal penalties for criminals who target law enforcement. They put their lives on the line to protect us, and we should do the work in Congress to protect them.” 

The Protect and Serve Act has attracted bipartisan support from members of both the House and Senate who recognize the increasing risks faced by law enforcement officers. Lawmakers backing the bill have emphasized that officers must be able to do their jobs without fear of targeted attacks and that federal law must reflect the seriousness of crimes against police. 

House Sponsors

• Rep. John Rutherford (R-FL-5)
• Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-5)

Senate Sponsors

• Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC)
• Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME)

There are currently 109 co-sponsors on the House Bill (88 Republicans and 21 Democrats) and 25 co-sponsors on the Senate bill (all 25 co-sponsors are Republicans). 

Police Officers’ Defense Coalition strongly supports the Protect and Serve Act because it establishes meaningful federal penalties for individuals who intentionally target law enforcement officers, ensures greater consistency in how these crimes are prosecuted across jurisdictions, and serves as a powerful deterrent against violence directed at police. At its core, the legislation reinforces respect for the rule of law by recognizing that attacks on officers are not only crimes against individuals, but threats to public safety as a whole. This is a common-sense and necessary step to protect the men and women who put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities.

America’s law enforcement officers deserve to know that their country stands behind them. The Protect and Serve Act is a critical step toward ensuring their safety and reinforcing accountability for those who would do them harm. If you support law enforcement, now is the time to act: contact your House Representative and Senators and urge them to pass the Protect and Serve Act (H.R. 1551/S.167).