Southern Illinois News

Mike Bost, the U.S. Representative for Illinois' 12th Congressional District, announced his support for the Improving Law Enforcement Officer Safety and Wellness Through Data Act. This bill is designed to track violence against police officers.

"In 2022, 64 police officers were killed in the line of duty, a solemn reminder of the risks our law enforcement officers face every day," said Bost, according to Facebook. "I will proudly vote for the Improving Law Enforcement Officer Safety and Wellness Through Data Act this week, which would require the Attorney General to track violence against officers and evaluate the tools and programs meant to keep them safe. This is a commonsense step to help protect those who put their lives on the line to protect us."

House Resolution 2240, known as the Improving Law Enforcement Officer Safety and Wellness Through Data Act, was introduced by U.S. Representative Tim Moore of North Carolina. The legislation mandates the Department of Justice to monitor and report on targeted attacks against law enforcement, mental health resources available to officers, and the feasibility of incorporating data on such attacks into existing crime reporting systems. On May 15, after a one-hour debate, the U.S. House voted overwhelmingly in favor of the bill, passing it with a vote of 403-11.

Screenshot of U.S. REp. Mike Bost's May 15 Facebook post | U.S. Rep. Mike Bost's Facebook page

According to the National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO), which contributed significantly to the passage of the Law Enforcement Safety Act in 2004, this new bill requires the Department of Justice to collect data on threats and actual use of force against law enforcement officers. This extends beyond incidents involving firearms alone. NAPO said that this bill is "an important first step in ensuring we are collecting the data necessary to fully understand assaults against officers and providing agencies with the support and resources needed to protect the health and safety" of officers serving their communities.

Bost has been representing Illinois’ 12th District since January 6, 2015. A lifelong resident of Murphysboro, he has significant experience in state politics, having served as House Republican Caucus Chair in the Illinois State House of Representatives for two decades. He is also a former member of the U.S. Marine Corps from 1979-1982. Before his full-time political career, Bost worked at Bost Trucking Service for 24 years and later joined the Murphysboro Fire Department after completing training at the University of Illinois’ Certified Firefighter II Academy in 1993.