SRES-441-119
Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S6983; text: CR S6983)
Sponsored by Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH)
What it does
This Senate resolution would designate the week of October 5, 2025, through October 11, 2025, as "National Community Policing Week." It would also state that the Senate supports community policing and encourages the public, law enforcement agencies, and elected officials to identify ways to improve public safety, strengthen relationships, and build trust. It creates no legal duty, program, or funding.
Who benefits
Law enforcement agencies and community policing programs may gain visibility and recognition during the designated week. Community groups and local officials who already run police-community outreach events may find the designation a useful occasion. No group receives funding or legal rights.
Who is hurt
No group is meaningfully affected, since the resolution is non-binding and imposes no costs or requirements. Critics of particular policing approaches may object to the Senate's expression of support, but no one's legal rights or obligations change.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that a week of recognition draws public attention to practices that build trust between officers and residents. They contend that the resolution's bipartisan sponsorship, from both Democratic and Republican senators, shows broad agreement that cooperation between police and communities is a worthwhile goal, and that it costs nothing to encourage.
Opponents argue
Opponents argue that a symbolic designation does nothing to address concrete problems in policing, such as accountability or resource shortfalls, and that it uses Senate time without changing any practice. They contend that the Senate endorsing "community policing" in general terms may imply approval of programs whose results vary and are disputed across communities.
Constitutional context
This non-binding, ceremonial resolution raises no constitutional question beyond the Senate's authority over its own proceedings under Article I, Section 5. It does not regulate conduct or bind any other branch or level of government.
Checks and balances
The Senate alone expresses a view and gains no new authority; the resolution is not presented to the President and has no binding effect on the executive branch, courts, or states.
Historical precedent
Congress has regularly adopted similar non-binding resolutions designating commemorative weeks for law enforcement, such as National Police Week.