Fentanyl is the single deadliest drug threat our nation has ever encountered. Just 2 milligrams of it, enough to fit on the tip of a pencil, can be lethal. From large metropolitan areas to rural America, no community is safe from this poison. Across the U.S. we are seeing overdose deaths climb at an alarming rate, especially those caused by the synthetic opioid, fentanyl. According to the CDC, 107,375 people in the United States died of drug overdoses and drug poisonings in the 12-month...

This year, the topics of de-escalation training, preventative measures, and institutional reconstruction are highly relevant in the world of law enforcement. There is no magical “de-escalation pixie dust” that can be sprinkled on individuals in crisis to calm them down. De-escalation is a desired outcome; it is a result. It is not a specific technique or tactic. De-escalation cannot be measured solely on whether an officer did or did not use force. There are times when the application of...

In a groundbreaking stride towards enhanced welfare for both retired racing greyhounds and former U.S. law enforcement officers, a unique partnership has been established. Forged by Greyhounds Australasia (GA) and Greyhound Racing New South Wales (GRNSW) in tandem with the National Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), the agreement promises to carve out a new life for these retired Australian racing dogs as therapeutic companions for first responders in the United States. On this episode of the...

Today, thousands of police officers and police families are gathering at the U.S. Capitol to honor our fallen brothers and sisters. The National Fraternal Order of Police is hosting its 42nd Annual Peace Officers' Memorial Service. Each one of those “white chairs” represents a hero that has fallen, and equally as important, heroes who must carry on. Their lives have been forever changed and through the efforts of so many, they know they are not alone, for we never forget our fallen and the...

On February 20, 2003, Patrolman Jeremy Carruth and PFC David Ezernack, members of the Alexandria Police Department Special Response Team, attempted to arrest a wanted suspect for ambushing an officer a day prior when he fired several shots from an automatic weapon into the officer's patrol car. During the attempt, the suspect opened fire, fatally wounding Patrolman Carruth and PFC Ezernack and wounding three other officers. For many of us, we can only imagine the pain of losing a loved one in...

A single memorial service hosted by the National Fraternal Order of Police 41 years ago has turned in to a extraordinary event, attended by thousands, in honor of our nation’s heroes. On May 15, families of fallen peace officers from around the country will head to our nation’s Capital to honor the life of America’s finest who gave their life in the service of others. The sacrifice of these fallen officers and their families will never be forgotten.   In part three of a four part series...

A single memorial service hosted by the National Fraternal Order of Police 41 years ago has turned in to a extraordinary event, attended by thousands, in honor of our nation’s heroes. All across America, families of fallen peace officers will head to our nation’s Capital to honor the life of America’s finest who gave their life in the service of others. On 15 May, we’ll gather on the West Front of the Capitol to honor our fallen Brothers and Sisters who made the ultimate sacrifice in service...

We can measure time, but we cannot measure loss. On 15 May, we’ll gather on the West Front of the Capitol to honor our fallen Brothers and Sisters who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their community. The sacrifice of these fallen officers and their families will never be forgotten.  In part one of a four part series focused on Police Week, National FOP President Patrick Yoes sits down with Glenda Lehmann, President of the National FOP Auxiliary Board, to discuss the preparations for...

It’s no secret that being police officer is a difficult and stressful job. Some studies suggest that officers experience more traumatic events in 6 months than most people experience in a lifetime. Law enforcement and other public safety officers face a 25.6 times higher risk of developing acute stress disorder, PTSD, and other mental health conditions than those in other professions. Sadly, more officers die of suicides every year than are killed by gunfire. On this episode of the Blue View...

Baltimore is a cautionary tale of when anti-police rhetoric, activist judges, and rogue prosecutors collide. The “charm city” currently has some of the highest murder and violent crimes rates of any city in the country. However, this hasn’t stopped the brave men and women of the Baltimore Police Department and the Baltimore City School Police Force from suiting up and showing up every day to serve their communities.  On this episode of the Blue View Podcast, National FOP President Patrick...

Officers across the country are paying with their lives for failed justice policies. In December of 2022, a Riverside County Sheriff Deputy was murdered by a lifelong felon with an extensive criminal history dating back to before 2000. This monster was only on the streets because the County Judge allowed him to be free on bail following his most recent conviction for a violent felony, which was his third strike. On this episode of the Blue View Podcast, National FOP President Patrick Yoes...

Policing in America is facing an existential threat that will take years to overcome. Officers are leaving our profession at an alarming rate while at the same time, fewer candidates are seeking policing as a profession. On this episode of the Blue View, National FOP President Patrick Yoes sits down with Representative Jim Banks who represents Indiana’s 3rd Congressional District. In the House, Congressman Banks is a member of the Committee on Armed Services, Committee on Education and Labor,...

Equality and fairness are some of America’s most cherished ideals. In current Social Security law, over 2.5 million retired first responders, teachers, and other government employees are financially penalized by provisions of the law, the Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset, that slash their benefits solely because they spent part of their careers in jobs that don’t pay into the Social Security System. On this episode of the Blue View Podcast, National FOP...

There aren’t many things that people agree on in Washington, D.C. But as our nation’s capital experiences a crime crisis like no other, there is one thing that is bringing people from both sides of the aisle together: a proposal by the D.C. City Council. Despite the Mayor’s veto, the D.C. City Council passed the Revised Criminal Code Act, a dangerous bill that would embolden criminals, dramatically increase crime and violence, and render police officers in the District of Columbia virtually...

Cities, towns, and communities across the country are seeing the failed results of revolving door criminal justice policies. In New York City, 327 criminals accounted for 30% of the city’s 22,000 shoplifting arrests last year. Just this past December in California, a sheriff’s deputy was gunned down by a criminal who, while facing a possible life sentence, had made bail and was out in the community. On this episode of the Blue View, National FOP President Patrick Yoes sits down with National...

For years, researchers have said that increased exposure to violent video games have had an enormous impact on our children becoming desensitized to violence. It feels like every day—whether it be on our favorite news program or as we mindlessly scroll through social media—we are constantly seeing graphic footage of heinous crimes: shootings, carjackings, vicious assaults, and even murder. For many people, the current crime crisis we find ourselves in may feel like a fog. But I assure you,...

For law enforcement, the importance of communications systems cannot be overstated. From conducting a search for a missing person in a remote area to trying to keep the peace after a disaster when the grid is down, law enforcement officers respond to all sorts of emergencies where functioning communications are critical. They need systems that are fast, reliable, and expansive. On this episode of the Blue View, National FOP President Patrick Yoes sits down with Jim Bugel, President of...

Law enforcement officers and other emergency responders often themselves in harm’s way to protect the public and ensure the safety of the innocent. Too often these heroes are called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice.  On this episode of the Blue View, National FOP President Patrick Yoes sits down with a remarkable young man, Zechariah Cartledge, the founder of Running 4 Heroes. Joining them is Chad Cartledge, Zechariah's father and CEO of Running 4 Heroes. Zechariah has always had a passion...

Working in law enforcement, where officers show up and suit up every day to serve their communities, can be a stressful job. Some studies show that the average officer experiences more traumatic events in 6 months than the average person does in a lifetime. Fortunately, over the past few years, the profession has made great strides in emphasizing the importance of officer wellness and mental health. On this episode of the Blue View, National FOP President Patrick Yoes sits down with Sherri...

The United States is experiencing a real crisis with the level of violence directed at our law enforcement officers. It's unlike anything we've seen in the past 30 years. We’ve seen more than 300 law enforcement officers shot in the line of duty this year and we’re on pace with last year, which saw the highest number of officers shot since the FOP started recording it. To make matters worse, across the country we're seeing rogue prosecutors who are refusing to prosecute violent, repeat...

The Social Security Fairness Act is the number one legislative priority for the FOP. Because of current Social Security law, millions of retired police officers, firefighters, teachers, and other government employees face as much as a 60% cut to their Social Security benefits. The FOP has been fighting for decades to repeal the WEP and GPO, the two provisions that unfairly target so many Americans who had dedicated their careers to public service. On this episode of the Blue View, National...

In life, it’s often important to understand and empathize with those who you may have disagreements with. Within law enforcement, this lack of understanding can have life or death consequences. On this episode of the Blue View, National FOP President Patrick Yoes sits down with Jason Lehman, Founder and Executive Director of Why’d You Stop Me (WYSM). His organization, rather uniquely, gives speaking presentations to both law enforcement agencies and within the schools and communities that...

Domestic violent extremism has become one of the biggest threats to law enforcement and members of the public. In the past few years, individuals affiliated with anti-government and white supremacist groups have attacked houses of worship, grocery stores, demonstrations, and even law enforcement officers themselves. As a result, combating domestic violent extremism is a priority for law enforcement at every level across the country. On this episode of the Blue View, National FOP...

Domestic violent extremism has become one of the biggest threats to law enforcement and members of the public. In the past few years, individuals affiliated with anti-government and white supremacist groups have attacked houses of worship, grocery stores, demonstrations, and even law enforcement officers themselves. As a result, combating domestic violent extremism is a priority for law enforcement at every level across the country. On this episode of the Blue View, National FOP...

“Why’d you stop me?” This is one of the most frequently asked questions people have when stopped by the police. There is a violent confrontation between the police and a community member EVERY hour in our country. This violence often stems from a lack of understanding and mistrust for the police. It is crucial that we educate our future leaders in the community about policing in order to promote positive interactions between community members and the police. On this episode of the Blue View,...