After endorsing the Obama/Biden Democratic ticket in 2008 and 2012, the National Association of Police Organizations endorsed President Trump this week for president and thanked him for his support in recent months.
The lobbying organization, often called “NAPO,” represents more than 1,000 police units and associations and 241,000 law enforcement officers. It was founded in 1978.
“Our endorsement recognizes your steadfast and very public support for our men and women on the front lines, especially during this time of unfair and inaccurate opprobrium being directed at our members by so many,” wrote Michael McHale, NAPO president, in a July 15 letter to Trump.
The letter listed several items of agreement between the organization and Trump, including:
- “your directing the Attorney General to aggressively prosecute those who attack our officers;
- “your signing into law the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act;
- “your advocacy and signing into law the legislation which permanently authorized funds to support 9/11 first responders and their families;
- “your revitalization of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program to help reduce violent crime; and
- “your unflagging recognition that America’s law enforcement officers, just like any other citizens, have Constitutional rights, too.”
“NAPO is pleased to support your re-election campaign for President, and we are confident of your continued strong support of America’s law enforcement community,” the letter said.
The organization endorsed Barack Obama for president in 2008 and 2012 with Joe Biden on the ticket as vice president. Biden is the presumptive Democratic nominee. NAPO did not make an endorsement in 2016.
NAPO, the letter said, is “a coalition of police unions and associations from across the United States that serves to advance the interests of America’s law enforcement through legislative and legal advocacy, political action, and education.” Its members “share a common dedication to fair and effective crime control and law enforcement,” the letter said.
Photo courtesy: ©Getty Images/Aijohn784
Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.
