    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (2000, Book I)]
    [May 15, 2000]
    [Pages 933-934]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Memorandum on Honoring Extraordinary Valor of Our Public Safety Officers
    May 15, 2000

    Memorandum for the Attorney General

    Subject: Honoring Extraordinary Valor of our Public Safety Officers

        Over the past 7 years, the cooperative efforts of law enforcement
    officers on the Federal, State, and local level have resulted in
    dramatic declines in our crime rate. I am proud of the key initiatives
    my Administration has proposed and supported that have given law
    enforcement officers the resources they need to fight crime. Through our
    Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program, we have funded the
    hiring of over 100,000 more police officers to work at the local level
    to build partnerships and combat crime. We have fought for tools to keep
    guns out of the wrong hands, and passed the Brady Law that has stopped
    over half a million felons, fugitives, and domestic abusers from buying
    guns. We have taken more criminals off the street with tougher penalties
    and we have helped States build more prisons to keep dangerous criminals
    behind bars. And we have given our young people positive alternatives to
    prevent crime in the first place.
        As a result of our crime-fighting strategy and the cooperative
    efforts of law enforcement at the Federal, State, and local level,
    America has experienced dramatic declines in our crime rate. The overall
    crime rate has dropped for the eighth year in a row, the longest
    continuous decline on record. The national homicide rate is at its
    lowest level in over 30 years. By making crime prevention, reduction,
    and prosecution a top priority, we have created a renewed sense of
    security in our Nation's cities, towns, and neighborhoods.
        This extraordinary record of success has not come without a heavy
    cost. Every day, the brave men and women of law enforcement put
    themselves on the front line of our battle to reduce crime. Each year,
    there are countless acts of individual courage and heroism by officers
    in the field. Although the majority of these acts do not result in any
    permanent disability or death, sadly, each year we mourn the loss of
    those who sacrificed their lives for this cause. The annual Police Week
    and National Peace Officers Memorial Day commemorations allow all
    Americans to pay tribute to the brave men and women of law enforcement.
    Few among us are put in the daily jeopardy that peace officers can find
    themselves in during even seemingly routine policing activity. To find
    examples of this courage, we need to look no further than the National
    Law Enforcement Officers Memorial where the names of more than 14,000
    officers who gave their lives to protect ours are carved in stone and
    memorialized for the ages.
        In order to recognize the exemplary work carried out by public
    safety officers at all levels of government, the Congress should
    immediately pass legislation to create a Medal of Valor for exceptional
    valor and courage demonstrated by our public safety officers.
    Unfortunately, such legislation has remained stalled for months.
        These heroes should not have to wait any longer for the recognition
    they deserve. So as we await the passage of legislation, I hereby direct
    you to develop a plan to create a Presidential award through Executive
    action to recognize public safety officers who have exhibited
    extraordinary valor above and beyond the call of duty. The award shall
    be awarded annually

    [[Page 934]]

    by the President. In developing this plan, where appropriate, you should
    consult with other relevant Government departments and agencies. The
    plan should designate a group of experts representing all aspects of the
    public safety sector, management, and labor, including law enforcement
    officers, firefighters, and emergency services officers who will submit
    written recommendations to you of candidates who exemplify the valor
    this award recognizes. Further, the plan should establish criteria for
    recommending nominees for the award of valor, as well as the design of
    the award itself. I direct you to report back to me with this plan
    within 30 days.
        All Americans can feel pride in the work done each and every day by
    those who promise to protect and serve. It is my hope that with the
    creation of this award of valor the efforts of public safety officers
    are more publicly recognized and appreciated by our Nation.

                                                          William J. Clinton

     Note: The Executive order of June 29 on establishment of the
    Presidential Medal of Valor for Public Safety Officers is listed in
    Appendix D at the end of this volume.