Press Releases

WASHINGTON – Congressman Ron Estes (R-Kansas) released the following statement after President Trump signed the Safe Policing for Safe Communities executive order. 

"Today's executive order is a bold step forward in promoting best practices in law enforcement, increasing transparency and accountability, and ensuring that we are keeping all communities in the United States safe," said Rep. Estes. "In this divided political climate, it's important to remember that supporting communities of color and standing for good law enforcement officers is not a binary choice. The best way for our country to move forward and unite is to work together – just like we've done here in Kansas." 

On Background: 
Today's executive order ensures safe communities and a fair justice system for all Americans. It promotes best practices for law enforcement across the country, with the Department of Justice (DOJ) certifying independent organizations to provide accreditation to police departments on de-escalation, use of force, and community engagement. Accredited organizations will look at law enforcement agencies' policies on use of force, including examining where policies should include a prohibition on the use of chokeholds except in situations where deadly force is allowed by law. Additionally, a system will be created to allow police departments to share information about incidents of excessive force, and, to promote information sharing, certain discretionary DOJ grants will be contingent on police departments sharing that information. 

Read the executive order in its entirety here. 

Ron Estes is a 5th generation Kansan and represents Kansas’ 4th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He serves on the House Committee on Ways and Means.