[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 36, Number 20 (Monday, May 22, 2000)]
[Pages 1111-1112]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

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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 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

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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