Rep. Sykes Recognizes National Police Week

During National Police Week, Congresswoman Sykes introduced the Supporting Women with Career Opportunities in Policing Services (COPS) Act, legislation to establish a federal task force focused on improving recruitment, retention, and advancement opportunities for women in law enforcement. The legislation would create a Task Force on Women in Law Enforcement to develop recommendations for equitable national hiring standards, address barriers to retention, including childcare and postpartum physical fitness standards, and expand leadership opportunities for women officers nationwide. Women belong at every level of law enforcement leadership, and we need recruitment and retention standards that reflect the realities officers face on and off the job. The Supporting Women COPS Act takes an important step toward building a stronger, more inclusive public safety workforce by helping departments recruit talented women, support them throughout their careers, and create pathways to leadership. When law enforcement agencies better reflect the communities they serve, our communities are stronger and safer. Congresswoman Sykes has consistently worked across party lines to strengthen public safety, support law enforcement officers, and improve community trust. Last month, she introduced the Critical Operation Oversight of Law Enforcement Intervention and Training (COOL IT) Act to strengthen immigration officer training, improve officer safety, and promote accountability. Last year, she also reintroduced the bipartisan Law Enforcement Scenario-Based Training for Safety and De-escalation Act, legislation to expand access to immersive de-escalation and crisis intervention training for officers, and partnered on the Enhancing COPS Hiring Program Grants for Local Law Enforcement Act to help communities hire officers, improve equipment, and strengthen public safety resources.  In addition, Congresswoman Sykes introduced the Crime Survivor Support and Stability Act to strengthen support services and financial assistance for survivors of violent crime. Congresswoman Sykes is also a cosponsor of the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act of 2025, which would expand eligibility for death, disability, and education benefits under the Public Safety Officer’s Benefit (PSOB) program for officers and their families when an officer dies or becomes permanently disabled due to cancer covered under the bill.