[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 1 (Tuesday, January 7, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E31-E32]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  THE COMMUNITY PROTECTION ACT OF 1997

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. RANDY ``DUKE'' CUNNINGHAM

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, January 7, 1997

  Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Speaker, Americans want us to work together to 
sensibly combat crime. Putting more, better-equipped and fully trained 
cops on the beat can be a strong part of any anticrime effort. It is 
for that very reason that today I am introducing the Community 
Protection Act of 1997.
  The bill will allow qualified, properly trained active and retired 
law enforcement officers to carry concealed handguns. Too often State

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laws prevent highly qualified officers from assisting in crime 
prevention and protecting themselves while not on duty. For example, a 
man who has spent his life fighting crime is often barred from helping 
a colleague in distress because he cannot use his service revolver--a 
handgun that he is required to train with on a regular basis. That same 
officer, active or retired, isn't allowed to defend himself from the 
criminals that he put in jail.
  My bill seeks to change that by empowering qualified law enforcement 
officers to be equipped to handle any situation that may arise, 
wherever they are.
  The community protection initiative covers only active duty and 
retired law enforcement personnel who meet the following criteria:
  First, employed by a public agency--security guards are not covered.
  Second, authorized by that agency to carry a firearm in the course of 
duty--all beneficiaries will have received firearms training and 
appropriate screening.
  Third, not subject to any disciplinary action.
  Retired police officers must meet all of these criteria and have 
retired in good standing.
  In the tradition of less government, this bill offers protection to 
police officers and to all of our communities without creating new 
programs or bureaucracies, and without spending more taxpayer dollars.
  Because this is a sensible, nonpartisan bill, it gained tremendous 
support in the 104th Congress. By the close of legislative business, 
the Community Protection Act was cosponsored by more than 130 Members 
of the House from both parties and from all regions of the country. It 
also gained the interest of the Crime Subcommittee, which held a 
hearing on the bill in July 1996.
  I am proud to once again introduce this important piece of 
legislation and look forward to working with my colleagues to pass it 
as soon as possible.

                          ____________________