The National Police Association's Bold Support for the Keep Violent Criminals Off Our Streets Act

The National Police Association's Support for Crime Prevention Legislation

In a significant statement made on September 26, 2025, the National Police Association (NPA) openly endorsed the Keep Violent Criminals Off Our Streets Act, a legislative move designed to strengthen public safety by regulating the use of cash bail. This came in response to increasing concern about the effectiveness of pre-trial release policies that do not require cash bail, which many experts argue have led to higher rates of violent crime in communities across the nation.

Understanding the Bill

The Keep Violent Criminals Off Our Streets Act, introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senator Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee and in the House of Representatives by Elise Stefanik from New York, aims to prohibit the distribution of funds from the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program to state and local governments that implement no-cash bail systems for violent offenders. The definition of violent offenders in this context includes serious crimes such as murder, rape, and carjacking, as well as public disorder offenses like looting and rioting.

This proposed legislation is seen as a reaction to cashless bail policies, which critics argue undermine law enforcement efforts and allow dangerous individuals back onto the streets too soon, potentially harming innocent citizens. The NPA highlights that such policies embolden criminal activity and undermine the brave work that law enforcement officers do to uphold the law and protect communities.

A Legislative Solution to Crime

One of the key mechanisms of the bill is its emphasis on safeguarding public safety through the strategic allocation of federal funds. Specifically, it states that the Attorney General would not be allowed to award JAG grants to regions that limit or restrict cash bail for serious offenses. This provision effectively places financial pressure on jurisdictions to reconsider their cashless bail policies, thereby aiming to keep violent offenders incarcerated until their trial.

Police officers, according to Paula Fitzsimmons, Legislative Director for the NPA, are already risking their lives to remove the most dangerous offenders from the streets. Fitzsimmons argues that these cashless bail policies work against their efforts, complicating the very nature of public safety that law enforcement strives to maintain. The endorsement of this bill signals a robust commitment on the part of the NPA to fortify police powers and restore communities plagued by crime.

Congressional Action and Future Implications

The NPA appreciates the efforts of Senator Blackburn and Representative Stefanik in introducing this vital piece of legislation, expressing hopes that it will lead to a concerted effort in Congress to prioritize crime prevention and public safety. The association urged lawmakers to recognize the importance of legislations like these in restoring trust within the judicial system and empowering law enforcement agencies to do their job effectively without the constraints that cashless bail policies impose.

The NPA has also launched a Call to Action team, encouraging supporters and members of the public to engage with their lawmakers, stressing the urgency of passing this legislation. By strengthening the laws around cash bail, the NPA believes that lives will be saved, criminals will face appropriate consequences, and the justice system will regain its integrity.

Conclusion

The National Police Association's endorsement of the Keep Violent Criminals Off Our Streets Act stands as a beacon for those advocating for stronger measures against violent crime. By pushing for necessary changes in cash bail laws, the NPA aims to create safer communities and ensure that law enforcement can operate effectively without the threat of having their efforts undermined by lenient pre-trial release policies. As the legislative process unfolds, it will be critical to monitor how the bill gains traction and the subsequent impact on public safety across the nation.