SRES-895-119
Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S4958; text: CR S4951)
Sponsored by Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH)
What it does
This Senate resolution would designate October 4 through October 10, 2026, as "National Community Policing Week." It would also express the Senate's support for community policing and encourage the public, law enforcement agencies, and elected officials to identify ways to improve public safety, strengthen relationships, and build trust. It creates no legal duties, programs, or funding.
Who benefits
Police departments and community policing programs, which may gain visibility during the week. Community groups and local officials who run outreach or dialogue events. The resolution's sponsors and supporters of community policing, who gain formal Senate recognition of the approach. No group receives money or legal rights.
Who is hurt
No group is meaningfully affected. The resolution is ceremonial, binds no one, and spends no money. Critics of community policing approaches or of current policing practices may disagree with the Senate's expression of support.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue the week draws attention to an approach that builds trust between officers and residents at no cost to taxpayers. They contend the resolution's bipartisan sponsorship, including Senators Shaheen, Crapo, Hassan, Rosen, Peters, and Murkowski, shows broad agreement that strong police-community relationships can support public safety. They argue that encouraging local dialogue is a low-risk way to promote cooperation.
Opponents argue
Opponents argue that symbolic resolutions do not change policing outcomes and may stand in for substantive action on funding, training, or accountability. They contend the Senate endorsing one policing approach may overstate the evidence of its effectiveness, since research on community policing's effect on crime is mixed. They argue that floor time and public attention are better spent on binding legislation.
Constitutional context
This resolution raises no constitutional question beyond the Senate's authority to adopt simple resolutions expressing its views under Article I. It creates no binding legal obligations on any person or government.
Checks and balances
No branch gains new authority; the Senate expresses a non-binding view, and the resolution is not presented to the President and has no legal force.
Historical precedent
The Senate regularly passes commemorative resolutions designating awareness weeks, including recurring resolutions honoring law enforcement such as National Police Week.