[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1992-1993, Book II)]
[October 8, 1992]
[Pages 1776-1777]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Remarks to the Law Enforcement Community in New Orleans
October 8, 1992

    Well, thank you, Ron, Pete, and I am very pleased to receive this 
endorsement. I am very pleased. Louisiana has got a great law 
enforcement community, and this is a wonderful occasion for me. The 
Police Association of New Orleans and the other representatives of law 
enforcement community here with us today, I just thank you all from the 
bottom of a very grateful heart.
    Let me just say a word to the family and friends of Officer Norvin 
Powell, who dedicated a lifetime of service to the small town of 
Winfield, Louisiana. Two weeks ago, officer Powell responded to a 
routine break-in. Then after a struggle with the burglar, Powell lay 
dead, and the burglar escaped. He didn't get far. After an 18-hour 
manhunt, he was arrested. Tragically, Officer Powell's handcuffs were 
still attached to one wrist. Powell took a stand. He made a difference 
in his community. On behalf of a grateful nation, while I'm here, I 
simply want to pay tribute here to this outstanding officer and others 
like him all across this country.
    You know, keeping neighborhoods safe and secure has got to be one of 
the fundamental responsibilities of government. It takes a tough, no-
nonsense approach, one that puts our sympathy with the victims of

[[Page 1777]]

crime, not the criminals. Ron set out the principles that I feel are 
absolutely essential for a President as related to law enforcement. 
After all, hard time is what criminals should get, not the innocent kids 
and older Americans who have to live in the fear of violence.
    In this election, two candidates are talking tough on crime, but 
just one candidate is taking action. Now, you can look at the record. 
Last year under Governor Clinton, Arkansas criminals on average served 
just one-fifth of their sentence before they were back out on the 
street. They did the crime, and they served one-fifth of the time.
    So I think you'll see the contrast when I tell you that the Federal 
inmates, inmates who fall under my jurisdiction, serve an average of 85 
percent of their full sentence. Crime is one more issue where the 
Governor of Arkansas can't talk his way past his record. If you want to 
know who's really tough on crime, look to the people out there on the 
front lines.
    Take the Fraternal Order of Police over in Little Rock. They lived 
with Governor Clinton for 12 years. They know that Arkansas ranks rock 
bottom for every important per capita crime dollar it spends: prisons, 
46th; judicial and legal systems, 50th. And when it comes to spending 
for police officers, Arkansas ranks 49th. They know Bill Clinton's 
record best, and they are endorsing George Bush for President of the 
United States.
    So let me say to the law enforcement officers and the associations 
that are represented here today: For 4 years I've kept a badge, an 
officer's badge 14072, in my desk in the Oval Office. A retired New York 
police lieutenant, Matt Byrne, gave me that badge some time ago. It's 
his son's badge, Eddie Byrne, who wore the badge the day he was gunned 
down by a gang of crackheads. As Matt asked, I have really kept that 
badge right there in that center drawer of the Oval Office desk, kept it 
there as a reminder of all of the brave officers who put your lives on 
the line for us every single day.
    As President, you have my thanks. But much more than that, you have 
my support. You're on the side of the law, and I am on your side. With 
your support, I know that we can turn back the threat of drugs and 
crime. I know that we can make our communities much safer and much 
stronger.
    I thank you very much, each and every one of you, for this vote of 
confidence. And may God bless the men and women who wear the badge. 
Thank you all.

                    Note: The President spoke at 3:25 p.m. at Belle 
                        Chasse Naval Air Station. In his remarks, he 
                        referred to Ronald J. Canatella, president, 
                        Police Association of New Orleans, and Peter 
                        Dale, Louisiana State coordinator for law 
                        enforcement, Bush-Quayle '92.