Congressman Dave Reichert

Crime & Law Enforcement

Dave brings 33 years of law enforcement experience to Capitol Hill, fighting crime and keeping communities safe in his tenure as King County Sheriff. He remains a dedicated advocate for crime victims and their families; supports efforts to increase online safety for our children; and is committed to protecting the quality of life in our towns and communities by eradicating drugs and gangs from our streets.

Dave also recognizes that today our state and local law enforcement officers are tasked not only with protecting our communities but also with protecting our homeland and serve on the front lines of the war against terrorism. He is committed to ensuring these brave men and women have the resources they need to keep our families safe.

· Dave's amendment to the FY2008 Departments of Commerce-Justice-Science spending bill, signed into law in December 2008, provided funding for the first time for the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), Court Training and Improvements program; providing critical training to judges and court staff to improve responses to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. It was endorsed by the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV), the National Center for Crime Victims, and the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN).

· Supports legislation to protect children from online sex predators, especially through social networking sites.

· Introduced legislation to develop and implement a national strategy to eliminate the gang epidemic plaguing our neighborhoods.

· Supports legislation to enhance penalties for those who manufacture drugs designed to appeal to minors due to enhanced packaging, coloring, or flavoring.

· Introduced 4 bills to fight methamphetamine by providing local communities a stable federal funding source for their fight against meth, evaluating the connection between meth crimes and identity theft crimes, and increasing penalties for meth trafficking and manufacturing.

· Supported the Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Elimination Act representing the broadest anti-meth legislation passed by Congress including putting PSE behind store counters nationwide.

· Supports full funding of the Drug Free Communities grant program that provides funding for community anti-drug coalitions.

· Supports full funding of the Safe and Drug Free Schools and Communities (SDFSC) program to prevent drug use and violence in and around schools.

· Supports increased funding for VAWA programs and significantly raising the cap on the Victims of Crime Fund to ensure all victims of crime have access to the support and services they need to overcome their pain and regain their confidence and identity.

· Lead efforts to reverse a 67% funding cut for the Byrne/Justice Assistance Grant (Byrne JAG) program that helps local agencies reduce violent and drug-related crime.

Crime and Law Enforcement Caucus Membership

Congressional Caucus to Fight and Control Methamphetamine

Congressional Victims’ Rights Caucus

Congressional Caucus on Drug Policy

Congressional Law Enforcement Caucus

Congressional Suburban Agenda Caucus

MAY 13, 2008: REICHERT SPECIAL ORDER on National Police Week and Keeping Communities Safe

VIDEO 1:

Level of Gang Involvement in Drug Activities within Urban Suburban and Rural Areas in the US (pdf)

You can view videos 2 and 3 by visiting: youtube.com/repdavereichert

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