November 30, 2018

Sheriffs from Across Country Endorse First Step Act

WASHINGTON – Law enforcement support continues to grow for the bipartisan First Step Act. The comprehensive criminal justice reform legislation is also endorsed by President Trump and supported by several key law enforcement groups.

In a letter Thursday, 56 sheriffs from 34 states voiced their support for the bill, which would reduce crime by helping low-risk, non-violent inmates successfully return to society after serving their sentence.

“We applaud President Donald Trump's efforts to advance an initiative that channels inmates to responsibly prepare for reentry into our communities. As a pro-law and order President, he recognizes that one of the greatest contributions to public safety is to have more inmates leave prison with more life skill tools in their toolbox so they may successfully and productively reenter our communities becoming responsible law abiding citizens,” the sheriffs said in the letter.

Endorsements from other law enforcement and corrections organizations include:

· Association of Prosecuting Attorneys

· Former Federal Prosecutors & Senior Gov't Officials

· Fraternal Order of Police

· International Association of Chiefs of Police

· Law Enforcement Leaders to Reduce Crime & Incarceration

· National District Attorneys Association

· National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives

· American Correctional Association

· Association of State Corrections Administrators

· International Community of Corrections Associations

· National Criminal Justice Association