IV 115th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 285 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES April 26, 2017 Mr. Taylor (for himself, Mr. O'Halleran , Mr. Reichert , and Mr. Pascrell ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary RESOLUTION Expressing the sense of the United States House of Representatives that Congress and the President should empower the creation of police and community alliances designed to enhance and improve communication and collaboration between members of the law enforcement community and the public they serve.

Whereas the United States of America was founded upon the principles of republican governance which include, but are not limited to, an adherence to the rule of law; Whereas the American law enforcement community embodies society’s most salient defenders of the rule of law; Whereas the ability of the American law enforcement community to effectively preserve the rights of American citizens and uphold the rule of law is predicated upon a healthy and collaborative relationship between police officers and the communities they serve; Whereas police and community relations have recently experienced periods of strain, where mistrust and suspicion have come to dominate police and community interactions in many communities and undermine effective policing strategies and public safety; Whereas the legitimate concerns of citizens as well as those of the law enforcement community are not always well understood by each respective constituency; and Whereas an open, constructive, and mutually respectful dialogue meant to address these legitimate concerns can dramatically improve police and community relations, improve public safety, and engage all of society’s stakeholders: Now, therefore, be it