National Police Association Backs COPS Act to Combat Organized Crime and Cartels

National Police Association Endorses the COPS Anti-Organized Crime and Cartel Enforcement Act

On February 13, 2026, the National Police Association (NPA) announced their endorsement of the COPS Anti-Organized Crime and Cartel Enforcement Act of 2025 (H.R. 6911). This pivotal legislation is designed to address the rampant issues of drug cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), which have been major contributors to the opioid epidemic devastating lives across the nation.

The realities of these criminal networks extend beyond drug trafficking. They are deeply involved in a range of crimes including money laundering, human and weapons trafficking, and homicide, creating not just a public health crisis but also increasing violence and lawlessness. Local and state law enforcement agencies often find themselves grappling with insufficient resources to tackle these sophisticated crime syndicates effectively, particularly those that are underfunded and dealing with officer shortages.

The COPS Anti-Organized Crime and Cartel Enforcement Act aims to remedy these challenges by establishing a federal grant program. This initiative will allocate $200 million over four years to support police agencies as they create specialized units dedicated to combating organized crime. The funding will come from the Department of Justice's Community Oriented Police Services (COPS) grant program, utilizing unspent funds from COVID-era financial support.

According to the NPA, these grants will empower local law enforcement to hire officers, receive specialized training, and acquire necessary protective gear and tactical equipment. The legislation places a high priority on at-risk communities that face significant cartel, gang, or TCO activity, reinforcing the need for safety and support where it is needed the most.

Paula Fitzsimmons, the Legislative Director of the National Police Association, emphasized the importance of sufficient resources for state and local police departments. She stated, "State and local police departments are committed to combating organized criminal networks. They can't accomplish this critical mission, however, without sufficient resources and staffing. The COPS Anti-Organized Crime and Cartel Enforcement Act will provide police agencies with the personnel, training, and equipment they need to fight cartels and organized crime syndicates. This will translate into safer communities for all Americans."

The NPA expressed gratitude to Representative Pat Harrigan (NC-10) for introducing a bill that effectively addresses the resource gap faced by local law enforcement in the fight against organized crime. They believe it is critical for Congress to act swiftly on this important piece of legislation. By strengthening local and state police capabilities, this initiative promises to make a tangible difference in the lives of communities plagued by crime.

For those interested in supporting anti-crime initiatives and pro-police legislation, the NPA invites individuals to join their Call to Action team, which provides updates on legislative developments and information about relevant lawmakers to contact.

About the National Police Association (NPA):
The NPA is a nonprofit organization committed to supporting law enforcement through advocacy, education, and legal assistance. For more details, you can visit NationalPolice.org.

As the battle against drug cartels and organized crime intensifies, the COPS Anti-Organized Crime and Cartel Enforcement Act stands as a beacon of hope in the ongoing struggle for public safety and community security.