Whereas our brave men and women in local law enforcement work tirelessly to protect the communities they serve; Whereas local law enforcement officers are tasked with upholding the rule of law and ensuring public safety; Whereas local law enforcement officers selflessly put themselves in harm’s way to fight crime, get drugs off our streets, and protect the innocent; Whereas, in the summer of 2020, looting, rioting, and violence in major cities caused the destruction of many shops, restaurants, and businesses; Whereas, in 2020, the United States tallied more than 21,000 murders—the highest total since 1995 and 4,900 more than in 2019; Whereas leftist activists and progressive politicians called for the defunding and dismantling of local police departments across the country and actively encouraged resentment toward local law enforcement; Whereas the defund the police movement vilifies and demonizes local law enforcement officers and puts them at greater risk of danger; Whereas many local jurisdictions defunded their police departments and saw a subsequent increase in violent crime; Whereas calls to defund , disband , dismantle , or abolish the police should be condemned and rule of law should be strictly maintained; Whereas local law enforcement officers take an oath to never betray the public trust; Whereas in the course of investigations into officers who have allegedly exhibited misconduct, local law enforcement should have certain rights to ensure a fair administration of justice, including— (1) a local law enforcement officer’s inherent right to self-defense against physical threats; (2) a local law enforcement officer’s right to legal recourse if a civilian attempts to assault the local law enforcement officer; (3) a local law enforcement officer’s right to be protected from physical harassment targeting a local law enforcement officer; (4) a local law enforcement officer’s right to equipment necessary for personal protection