Lafayette Reporter

Washington - Senators John Kennedy (R-La.) and Cory Booker (D-N.J.) have introduced the Violent Incident Clearance and Technological Investigative Methods (VICTIM) Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at improving clearance rates for violent crimes and providing law enforcement agencies with the necessary resources to solve more crimes. The VICTIM Act would establish a grant program at the Department of Justice (DOJ) to support state, tribal, and local law enforcement agencies in their efforts to bring violent criminals to justice.

Sen. Kennedy emphasized the need for increased support for law enforcement, stating, "As crime rises in the U.S., many cases go unsolved. This is true for Louisiana's small towns and large cities alike, where local law enforcement has to do more with less. The VICTIM Act would provide law enforcement with key financial and technical support to help bring violent criminals to justice and give victims closure."

Sen. Booker echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of addressing the issue of unsolved murders and providing justice to grieving families. He stated, "Far too many murders in our country go unsolved, leaving families and communities shattered and without answers. This lack of justice is unacceptable, and we can and must do more. I am proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation that will provide law enforcement agencies with the appropriate training and resources to deliver justice to more grieving families, promote community safety, and assist victims in healing after unimaginable tragedy."

The VICTIM Act has garnered support from both sides of the aisle, with Senators Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) cosponsoring the legislation. Additionally, Reps. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) and Dwight Evans (D-Pa.) have introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.

Sen. Durbin emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing gun violence and violent crime, stating, "Gun violence and violent crime must be addressed with a holistic approach. This bipartisan, bicameral bill will help ensure our law enforcement agencies have the resources needed to keep our communities safe, while also supporting victims and families who are rebuilding their lives in the aftermath of violent crime."

Sen. Tillis echoed these sentiments, expressing concern over the number of unsolved homicide cases and the impact it has on victims' families. He said, "Far too many homicide cases go unsolved, leaving families of victims without answers or justice. I'm proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation to provide the necessary resources to state and local law enforcement agencies to reduce the number of unsolved homicide cases and make our communities safer."

The VICTIM Act has gained support from various law enforcement organizations, including the Louisiana Association of Chiefs of Police, Fraternal Order of Police, Major Cities Chiefs Association (MCCA), Major County Sheriffs of America (MCSA), Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies (ASCIA), the Niskanen Center, and Arnold Ventures.

Patrick Yoes, National President of the Fraternal Order of Police, highlighted the importance of dedicated resources for clearing homicide and violent firearms-related cases. He stated, "Given the limited resources of law enforcement agencies, it's important to provide the significant, dedicated resources that clearing these crimes requires, especially given their oftentimes heinous nature. The resources the VICTIM Act would provide would improve the ability of law enforcement agencies to punish the perpetrators of these crimes, provide justice for the victims and their families, and grant peace of mind for communities and the dedicated law enforcement officers that serve them."

Chief Eddie Garcia, President of the Major Cities Chiefs Association, praised the bipartisan efforts to support local law enforcement agencies. He stated, "Recognizing the challenges our profession faces such as understaffing and technological advancements, the Major Cities Chiefs Association was proud to work collaboratively with Senators Booker and Kennedy to produce a bipartisan bill that will assist local law enforcement agencies augment, implement, and administer programs and technologies to increase clearance rates for homicides and firearm-related violent crimes."

Megan Noland, Executive Director of the Major County Sheriffs of America, expressed support for the VICTIM Act, emphasizing the need for tools and resources to investigate and solve violent crimes. She said, "The new resources this legislation would provide will assist agencies across the country with hiring and training investigative personnel while acquiring necessary investigative technology and forensic equipment to keep our communities safe. We stand ready to support all efforts to advance this important bill."

The Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies (ASCIA) also welcomed the VICTIM Act, recognizing the importance of building capacity in state and local law enforcement agencies to investigate violent crime. Drew Evans, President of ASCIA, stated, "The VICTIM Act would provide new resources to help agencies strengthen their abilities to efficiently, fairly, and accurately analyze forensic evidence, investigate, and solve violent crimes."

Greg Newburn, director of Criminal Justice at the Niskanen Center, commended Senator Kennedy for his leadership in sponsoring the bill. He emphasized the urgency of bringing violent criminals to justice and solving homicides, stating, "There is no more urgent issue than ensuring violent criminals are brought to justice and that homicides are solved. We're grateful for Senator Kennedy's leadership in sponsoring this important legislation."

The VICTIM Act aims to provide several key resources to local law enforcement agencies, including training for detectives and police personnel, hiring additional investigative personnel, investing in crime-solving technology, and providing support for victims and their families. The bill also includes provisions for reporting the use of grant funds to the DOJ.

With bipartisan support and endorsements from law enforcement organizations, the VICTIM Act seeks to enhance crime-solving efforts and improve clearance rates for violent crimes. By providing the necessary resources and support to law enforcement agencies, the bill aims to bring justice to victims and their families, promote community safety, and create safer communities for all.