Citizens Behind the Badge Updates
Citizens Behind the Badge Updates
The leading voice of the American people in support of law enforcement
“The police are the public and the public are the police.” Sir Robert Peel, the Father of Modern Policing
CBB Launches New Website and Podcast in Support of Law Enforcement
In May, we launched a new website and podcast intended to expand our efforts to end the “defund and defame the police” movement and to honor the service and sacrifice of America’s peace officers. Our new and enhanced website is highlighted by a vast collection of facts and figures about policing and crime in our nation. In addition, the website provides numerous examples of the “troubling consequences of the defund and defame the police movement,” as well as ways in which “law enforcement is always working to get better.” There is an entire section of the website that pays tribute to active and fallen police heroes. And the website provides an opportunity for visitors to sign a “declaration of support” for law enforcement that is sent to police chiefs and sheriffs across the country. Check it out at Citizens Behind the Badge (behindbadge.org).
CBB’s new weekly podcast, “Heroes Live Forever,” also launched last month. Each podcast tells the story of law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice. The podcasts are produced on Substack and are available for free on Apple, the CBB website, Spotify and Rephonic (https://rephonic.com/podcasts/heroes-live-forever-podcast). The innaugural “Heroes Live Forever” podcast paid tribute to Boston Police Detective Sherman Griffiths, who was shot and killed during a drug raid in 1988, which inspired four of his brothers to follow in his footsteps. “Remembering and honoring our fallen law enforcement heroes is of the utmost importance to our organization and to me personally,” stated CBB founder and president Craig W. Floyd. “Those officers who made the supreme sacrifice protecting and serving their communities must never be forgotten.”
National Police Week—A Time to Say “Thanks”
Last month, our nation commemorated National Police Week—a time to say “Thank You” to the more than 800,000 men and women who serve and protect our communities. This is a honored tradition that dates back to 1962 when President John F. Kennedy signed a law designating May 15 as “Peace Officers’ Memorial Day,” and the week that included May 15 as “National Police Week.” In 1982, the Fraternal Order of Police held the first National Peace Officers’ Memorial service in Washington, D.C., to honor America’s fallen law enforcement heroes and their families. Approximately 125 people attended that first national ceremony. This year, more than 30,000 law enforcement officers, survivors of the fallen and citizen supporters came to Washington, D.C., to attend Police Week events, which included the dedication of 282 new names that were added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. There are now 24,067 names on the Memorial. CBB’s founder and CEO, Craig W. Floyd, led the effort to build the Memorial. “When it was dedicated in 1991, we thought it would be at least 100 years before the Memorial walls would be filled,” Mr. Floyd said. “Sadly, after only 33 years there is no more space left on the original Memorial walls, and new blank marble panels have been added to the top of the walls to make room for some of this year’s new additions and the names of future fallen heroes.”
CBB Advisor Calls for More Urgent Response to Illegal Immigration Crisis - Cites 9/11 Example
On April 30, The Daily Signal—the news platform for the Heritage Foundation—published an op-ed authored by Steve Sund, a member of CBB’s Law Enforcement Advisory Council and former U.S. Capitol Police Chief. The op-ed calls for a more unified and urgent response to securing our borders, much like what happened following the terrorist attacks on 9/11. And he explains that the President “has the ability and authority to address this serious issue” through presidential directives. Chief Sund’s entire commentary can be viewed on the link below.
https://www.dailysignal.com/2024/04/30/where-are-executive-actions-secure-border-look-back-9-11/
Follow CBB on Social Media and Join the Conversation
See what CBB has recently posted on our social media platforms and follow us by clicking on the icons at top right of the BehindBadge.org homepage.
When CBB posted a tribute to Gila River (AZ) Tribal Police Officer Joshua Briese who was shot and killed during a disturbance call on 6-1-24, and noted that his father, David Leroy Briese Sr., had died in the line of duty 18 years earlier—
Tricia D. commented: “Gosh this so sad. Rest in God’s arms hero!!”
When CBB reported that a civilian concealed-carry permit holder recently came to the aid of a Farrell (PA) police officer, firing on an armed suspect outside a convenience store—
Jim C. said: “Thankfully community policing works both ways! Great post!”
When CBB posted that police response times in San Diego are slow due to one of the worst staffing shortages in the department’s history—
Rob F. commented: “ . . . Response times will remain high due to the staffing shortage and reallocation of funds as departments battle defunding and illegal immigrates (sic) needing funding. People are realizing they will need to take care of their business as police are on high priority calls first.”
Tom J. added: “Another concern . . . regarding the shortages is officer health and well being, as well as safety. They are working incredible amounts of hours with poor sleep and eating habits. Not exercising as much. Fatigue while on patrol is dangerous. We must do better.”
When CBB reported that government leaders in Allegany County (MD) rejected calls for more law enforcement funding despite a troubling rise in crime and a woefully understaffed Sheriff’s Office—
Bill L. commented: “This not only hurts public safety, but the safety of our officers! Shame on the local government official's management by crisis! Sadly, this is already widespread nationally.”
Anthony A. said: “Thanks [CBB] for shinning a spotlight on this issue. Not only is recruitment difficult but so is retention. For the future I see law enforcement agencies will have to create safe zones in communities they can protect while also leveraging camera and drones technology to monitor high risk areas.”