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Event - POTUS [President of the United States] - Mtg. [Meeting] w/ [with] Law Enf. [Enforcement] Leaders, May 19, 1995 [1]
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Event - POTUS [President of the United States] - Mtg. [Meeting] w/ [with] Law Enf. [Enforcement] Leaders, May 19, 1995 [1]
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Records of the Domestic Policy Council (Clinton Administration)
Jose Cerda's Files
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FOIA Number: 2009-1305-F
FOIA
MARKER
This is not a textual record. This is used as an
administrative marker by the William J. Clinton
Presidential Library Staff.
Collection/Record Group:
Clinton Presidential Records
Subgroup/Office of Origin:
Domestic Policy Council
Series/Staff Member:
Jose Cerda
Subseries:
OA/ID Number:
5874
FolderID:
Folder Title:
Event - POTUS [President of the United States] - Mtg. [Meeting] w/ [with] Law Enf. [Enforcement]
Leaders, May 19, 1995 [1]
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Row:
Section:
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S
98
2
10
1
Federal Law Enforcement
FEDERA
Officers Association
U.S.
Office of Public Affairs
1 Whitman Avenue
Metuchen, NJ 08840
NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: ALAN BERNSTEIN - 908-321-1011
MAY 11, 1995
" On behalf of this nation's 30,000 foderal special agents, criminal investigators and cnforcement officers
I want to publicly thank former President George Bush for courageously standing up and denouncing the
vile and unfounded charges leveled against federal law enforcement by the National Rifle Association",
said Mr. Victor G. Oboyski, National President of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association
(FLEOA).
: Where many prominent citizens and government leaders would have stood up for law enforcement, but did
not; you had the grit to take action against the evil, self-serving rhetoric of the NRA which placed law
enforcement and the American people in jeopardy," Oboyski said.
In addition to thanking Mr. Bush, FLEOA's National President rejected the need for a Congressional
review of Waco and federal law enforcement Such reviews are solely political. They fail to address
crime issues and domestic terrorism They only placate the far right, " Oboyski said
According to FLEOA's National President the time for looking backwards is over. Congress, the
Administration, and the American people should be asking:
How hard is it for paramilitary militias and cults to purchase numerous assault weapons and convert
them to fully automatic machine guns?
How difficult is it for them to amass large amounts of ammunition and gun powder?
How many other paramilitary or cult type groups are actively amassing arsenals right now?
How good is our intelligence on these groups and how do we prevent another Oklahoma City?
Could American's be subject to chemical or biological or radiological attacks from these groups
similar to those launched in Japan?
Is federal law enforcement operationally and legally prepared to deal with heavily armed para-
military or cult groups and the possibility of subsequent stand-offs.
Oboyski said, "I wrote in 1993 that Waco, the LA Riots, the World Trade Center Bombing and the killing
of CIA employees, in Virginia, were the sounds of warning bells going off. I stated that law
enforcement had better be prepared. trained and funded to cope with the worst-case scenarios in a
disciplined, systematic manner. If Congress convenes to honestly examine the America's problems and
provide solutions, Oboyski continued, they had better concentrate on domestic terrorism and the terrible
alienation which spawned the Oklahoma City violence."
"A Professional Association for Federal Law Enforcement Officers"
TOTAL P.01
9
U S.
FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS ASSOCIATION
Representing Members of
DEAL WITH DOMESTIC TERRORISM:
AGENCY for INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
AGRICULTURE
OIC & Fores Service
DON'T PANDER TO IT,
COMMERCE
Export Enforcement CNG
1 National Marine Fstates
SAYS FLEOA PRESIDENT
DEFENSE
AIR Force OS!
Amy oc
Defense Comment Investment Service
Named Criminal Investigative Service
OIG
For Immediate Release
Contact:
EDUCATION ONG
ENERGY OKG
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTE TON AGENCY CTD & CIG
FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION
FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION 0.0
Friday, May 05, 1995
Alan B. Bernstein
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY OIG
GENERAL ACCOUNTING OFFICE 051
Tel: (908) 321-1011
GENERAL SERVICES DMV
Rederal Protective Service & OIG
HEALTH a HUMAN SERVICES
Food & Drap Administration & OKG
New York City - Victor G. Oboyski, National President of the Federal
HOUSING & URBAN DEVELOPMENT OIG
INTERIOR
Bures: of Industry Affairs
Berwan of issued Management
Law Enforcement Officers Association, said today that any Congressional
Fish & Wildife Service
National Pack Service
OIG
U.S. Park Police
ILSTICE
hearings which reopen the tragedies at Ruby Ridge and Waco, TX do
Drog Enforcement Administration
Federal Buseau of Investment
immagration & Naturalization Service
NS Sowder Patroi
little more than pander to the politics of the extreme right. The problem
Marshais Service
OIG
US. Attorneys Office
LABOR
of today is making sure that there are no more "Oklahoma Cities".
CHC & Labor
NATIONAL AERONALTICS & SPACE ADMIN. CIG
NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION OIC
RAILROAD RETTREMENT BOARD ORG
LUTION TRUST CORPORATION or
SECURITIES & EXCHANGE COMMISSION DIC
SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION OIG
STATE DEPARTMENT
"More Congressional review at this late date will only serve to placate the
Burents of Deploratic Security & DIG
TRANSPORTATION
Come Coard Lew Enforcement
OIG
far right, rather than uncover new facts", emphasized FLEOA's National
TREASURY
Bureau of Alrohol Tobacco 1 Firtarms
Customs Service
internal Revenue Service CT & Experies
President. "The Randy Weaver and David Koresh incidents have been
Secret Service
U.S. Mist
U.S. COUNTS JUICIAL
Probation. Pamie & Premisal Services
thoroughly investigated, trials have been concluded, Treasury, Justice
VETERANS AFFAIRS OIC
and outside aparts have eritiqual the Buroou of Alcohol. Tobacco &
NATIONAL OFFICERS
Firearms and the FBI from operational, legal and organization
President
VICTOR OBOYSKI. JR.
Executive Vice-President
perspectives, and disciplinary actions have been taken against federal
IOHN PITTA
First Vice-President
RICHARD GALLO
Treasurer
officials who failed to perform their duties correctly. The matter is
THOMAS x CASEY
Corresponding Secretary
GAIL PAPURE
concluded or should be", said Oboyski.
Recording Secretary
WALTER W. WALLMARK
General Counsel
LAWRENCE BERGER
Legislarive Consultant
JULES BERNSTEEN
According to Oboyski, the time for looking backward should end. Congress, the
Administration, and the American people should be asking why the warning given by
Federal agents in 1993 went unheeded.
Writing in June - July, 1993 issue of The 1811 - Journal of the Federal Law
Enforcement Officers Association, a copy of which went to every member of the US
Senate, the House of Representatives, and 10,000 federal agents, Oboyski wrote.
I am requesting that the Clinton Administration and the US Congress, in their review
of the investigative reports on WACO, also examine what precipitated the entire episode
and asked some tough questions.
How hard was it for the Branch Davidians to purchase numerous assault weapons
and convert them to fully automatic machine guns?
How difficult was it for them to amass large amounts of ammunition and gun
powder?
Are there other para-military or cult type groups doing the same thing right now?
How good is our intelligence on these groups and how do we prevent another Waco?
Is federal law enforcement prepared to deal with heavily armed para-military or cult
groups and the possibility of subsequent stand-offs.
I hope the Administration and Congress are willing to tackle these tough questions
regarding Waco and find real solutions to them. I do not believe that the Branch Davidian
episode was a mere aberration, I believe it was a harbinger of things to come if we don't
start paying attention to the undercurrents and direction of this country. Waco, the LA
Riots, the World Trade Center Bombing and the killing of CIA employees in Virginia are
the sounds of warning bells going off. Law enforcement had better be prepared, trained
and funded to cope with the worst in a disciplined, systematic manner. For if we don't
prepare now, we'll pay later."
"Later is now!", concludes Oboyski.
######
TOTAL P.02
FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS ASSOCIATION
U.S.
"A Professional Association for Federal Law Enforcement Officers"
Representing Members of the:
Dept. of Agriculture- OIG Special Agents
US Form Service - Special Agents
Dept. of Commerce - Office of Export Enforce. - SA
Office of Importer General Special Agents
National Marine & Flabaries Serv. Law End. SA
Dept. of Defense
March 3, 1995
US Army - CID - Special Agents
Dellare Investigative Service - Special Agents
Defenes Cruminal Investigative Service SA
Nevel Investigative Service - Special Agents
US Als Force ORI - Special Agents
Dept. of Education- Investigation SA
Editorial Page Editor
Dept. of Energy - OIC Special Agents
Dept. of Health & Human Services SA
USA Today
Days of Housing & Urban Devel.- Inven - SA
Dept. of Interior- OIG Special Agents
1000 Wilson Blvd.
US Fish & Wildlife Services Law Beforee. SA
Burene of Indian Affixire- SA & Police
Arlington, VA 22229
US Park Police- Park Police Officers
Bureau of Land Management - Special Agents & Rangers
Dept. of Justice - US Attorneys - CT & Attorneys
Drug Enforcement Administration - SA
Faderal Buren of Investigation - SA
THE NRA IS NO FRIEND OF LAW ENFORCEMENT
INS - Special Agents & Border Patrol
US Marchals Service - Maryhols & Dep Marchale
Parole & Prob. Service - Parole & Prob. Officers
By Victor G. Oboyski, National President
Dept. of Labor - OIG. Special Agents
Office of Labor Racheterring - SA
Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association
Dept. of State - Diplomatic See Ser. Special Agents
investigation - Special Agents
Dept. of Trans. - Investigation - Special Agents
US Coast Goard - Intal Officers & 8 A
Federal Aviation Admiss (FAA) Investigutors
On March 2, 1995, two days after the first anniversary of the passage
Dept. of Transury
BATF- Special Aments
of the Brady Law, the National Rifle Association (NRA) ran its second
US Customs Service - Office of Enforcement - Special Agents
Customs Investigators
full page advertisement, this one in USA Today smearing the
Interned Affairs - Special Agents
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and misleading the
Internal Revenue Service
Criminal Investigation Division SA
American public. The first attack came in the Washington Post,
Inspection Service - Inspectors
US Secret Service - SA & Police
March 1st
Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Criminal Investigntions - Special Agents
Office of Inspector Ceneral - Special Agents
General Services Administration
Since the NRA could not prevent passage of the Brady Law, nor
Office of Investigations Special Agents
National Archive Criminal Impertigators
deny its success, it chose to spend $53,565 in the Post and
Nuclear Regulatory Commission - Special Agents
US Capitol Police - Police Officers
$57,500 in USA Today, on a propaganda campaign to destroy the
US Postel Service - Trapactors & Postal Police
US Printing Office - Special Agents
agency whose primary mission it is to go after armed violent felons.
Veteran's Administration - Investigations SA
Statistical data gathered from March 1994 to January 1995 shows
the Brady Law prevented handguns from being sold to 4,365
NATIONAL OFFICERS:
convicted felons, 945 fugitives, 97 persons under indictment, 649
President
illegal drug users, two juveniles and 63 persons under restraining
VICTOR QBOYSKI, JR.
Executive Vice-President
orders for alleged stalking, harassment, or other forms of domestic
JOHN PTTTA
threat.
First Vice-President
THERESA C. MURRAY
Treasurer
Not wanting to address the success of the Brady Law, the NRA
ROGER P. TARDIE
countered by attacking the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms
Corresponding Secretary
RICHARD GALLO
(ATF) with an advertisement filled with misstatements, erroneous
Recording Secretary
conclusions, and insults directed at the courageous men and women
ALLAN B. PAYNE
General Counsel
of ATF who risk their lives daily.
KATHLEEN P. MAHON
Legislative Consultant
JULES BERNSTEIN
The NRA's advertisement asserts that Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms looks on all
gun owners by class as suspected criminals. That untruth would not even warrant a response-
were it not for the fact that the gun lobby is certain its "big lie" will be fragment into political
shrapnel and cause the demise of an agency they have been trying to kill since President
Reagan's first election.
The truth is ATF is doing a terribly difficult job effectively and doing it with limited resources.
The last thing the NRA wants is a technically sophisticated, even handed federal law
enforcement agency effectively enforcing the nation's firearms laws.
On February 15, 1995, Undersecretary of the Treasury Ronald K. Noble told the House
Appropriations Committee that a careful examination of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and
Firearms showed that while ATF Special Agents are doing a difficult and often unpopular job,
they are doing it extremely well.
Difficult is an understatement !
Most Americans have no idea that from 1979-1993, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and
Firearms investigated 8,000 arsons involving 1000 deaths, and over $5-billion in damage.
Approximately 5,300 defendants were prosecuted for these arson crimes. The NRA will not
tell you this.
The NRA has stated many times that gun control is not the answer, locking up armed criminals
is the answer. Yet they fail to mention that: ATF's Achilles Program removed some 4,609
armed criminals and narcotics traffickers from America's communities; sent felons to prison for
terms totaling 28,388 years; and ended the careers of over 1,600 career criminals who, on
average, committed 160 crimes per year at and average cost per crime of $2,600.
The NRA won't dare tell the American public that ATF's National Tracing Center completed
83,362 traces of firearms used in crimes, in 1994; and its Juvenile Firearms Violence Initiative
helped keep handguns out of the hands of children as well as investigate the "death
merchants" who peddle firearms to our kids.
The NRA won't tell the public that the ATF's explosive experts. internationally recognized for
their work in bombing and arson investigations, helped solve the World Trade Center bombing
and are leading the effort to solve bombing and arson incidents at abortion clinics. Nor will
they tell you that ATF Special Agents identified the assailant responsible for the recent
abortion clinic shootings in Massachusetts and Virginia..
Far from being an agency run amok, ATF is a federal law enforcement agency carefully
allocating finite resources to the critical investigative needs of the nation.
The NRA wants the public to believe it is a friend of law enforcement. Believe me it is not.
The NRA is the organization that, in 1986, lobbied against banning "cop killer bullets" -
ammunition that rips through police officers protective vests. Today, like in 1986, the National
Rifle Association cares not one iota about the lives or well being of law enforcement officers.
They don't like law enforcement. And judging from the NRA's attack of the Bureau of Alcohol,
Tobacco and Firearms, they clearly hold law enforcement in complete distain.
Contact:
Vic O'Boyski
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(212) 385-6938
Tuesday, April 25, 1995
FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS ASSOCIATION (FLEOA)
OUTRAGED AT NRA'S ANTI-LAW ENFORCEMENT, ANTI-GOVERNMENT
RHETORIC
The Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA) today expressed their outrage
at the leadership of the National Rifle Association, whose rhetoric and organized anti-
federal law enforcement campaigns indirectly contributed to the recent tragedy in Oklahoma
City.
"I am not claiming the NRA was in any way directly connected to the bombing in Oklahoma
City, or that they have formal ties to the growing militia movement," stated Vic O'Boyski
President of FLEOA, "but they must take responsibility for their words and actions.
By their enthusiastic endorsement and promotion of the idea that the Second Amendment
allows disgruntled citizens to take up arms against government tyranny, and their public
campaign to discredit specific federal law enforcement agencies, they have strongly
contributed to the atmosphere of fear and paranoia that led to the Oklahoma City disaster.
The NRA, in an effort to reverse the enactment of reasonable gun control laws, has
consistently claimed that such laws will ultimately lead to confiscation of weapons from law-
abiding citizens by agents of an oppressive government To support these claims they have
publicly "demonized" agencies such as the FBI and the BATF by painting them as out-of-
control bureaucrats, ready to break down the doors of innocent citizens. Such statements
are false and irresponsible and those who make them should be held accountable.
To understand the seriousness of these attacks, one need only look at an NRA direct mail
piece from April, 1995: 'In Clinton's administration, if you have a badge, you have the
government's go-ahead to harass, intimidate, even murder law-abiding citizens. Randy
Weaver at Ruby Ridge Waco and the Branch Davidians not too long ago it was
unthinkable for Federal agents wearing nazi bucket helmets and black storm trooper
uniforms to attack law abiding citizens.'
The NRA needs to understand that the "bureaucrats" they love to bash for their own
political gain, are real people with families and loved ones. In the case of federal law
enforcement, they are dedicated public servants who put their lives on the line day after day.
My colleagues work to defend the Constitution, not abuse it, yet they have become the
targets of smear campaigns by those with a political agenda. They deserve better.
FLEOA believes that the American people must see Oklahoma City as a wake-up call to
the threats presented by these individuals and groups that operate on the fringes of our
society. We should not wait until we are shocked by another Oklahoma City incident.
It is becoming clear that the recently enacted ban on assault weapons was particularly
offensive to these so called militia groups. FLEOA joins with other law enforcement in
calling upon the U.S. Congress to abandon its insane attempt to repeal a law that bans the
very guns these groups claim they need to take up arms against the government."
FLEOA is a non-partisan association representing more than 10,000 federal criminal
investigators from at least 51 different entities, including the FBI, DEA, BATF, Secret
Service and the U.S. Marshals.
-30-
Contact:
Vic O'Boyski
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(212) 385-6938
Tuesday, April 25, 1995
FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS ASSOCIATION (FLEOA)
OUTRAGED AT NRA'S ANTI-LAW ENFORCEMENT, ANTI-GOVERNMENT
RHETORIC
The Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA) today expressed their outrage
at the leadership of the National Rifle Association, whose rhetoric and organized anti-
federal law enforcement campaigns indirectly contributed to the recent tragedy in Oklahoma
City.
"I am not claiming the NRA was in any way directly connected to the bombing in Oklahoma
City, or that they have formal ties to the growing militia movement," stated Vic O'Boyski
President of FLEOA, "but they must take responsibility for their words and actions.
By their enthusiastic endorsement and promotion of the idea that the Second Amendment
allows disgruntled citizens to take up arms against government tyranny, and their public
campaign to discredit specific federal law enforcement agencies, they have strongly
contributed to the atmosphere of fear and paranoia that led to the Oklahoma City disaster.
The NRA, in an effort to reverse the enactment of reasonable gun control laws, has
consistently claimed that such laws will ultimately lead to confiscation of weapons from law-
abiding citizens by agents of an oppressive government To support these claims they have
publicly "demonized" agencies such as the FBI and the BATF by painting them as out-of-
control bureaucrats, ready to break down the doors of innocent citizens. Such statements
are false and irresponsible and those who make them should be held accountable.
To understand the seriousness of these attacks, one need only look at an NRA direct mail
piece from April, 1995: 'In Clinton's administration, if you have a badge, you have the
government's go-ahead to harass, intimidate, even murder law-abiding citizens. Randy
Weaver at Ruby Ridge Waco and the Branch Davidians not too long ago it was
unthinkable for Federal agents wearing nazi bucket helmets and black storm trooper
uniforms to attack law abiding citizens.'
The NRA needs to understand that the "bureaucrats" they love to bash for their own
political gain, are real people with families and loved ones. In the case of federal law
enforcement, they are dedicated public servants who put their lives on the line day after day.
My colleagues work to defend the Constitution, not abuse it, yet they have become the
targets of smear campaigns by those with a political agenda. They deserve better.
FLEOA believes that the American people must see Oklahoma City as a wake-up call to
the threats presented by these individuals and groups that operate on the fringes of our
society. We should not wait until we are shocked by another Oklahoma City incident.
It is becoming clear that the recently enacted ban on assault weapons was particularly
offensive to these so called militia groups. FLEOA joins with other law enforcement in
calling upon the U.S. Congress to abandon its insane attempt to repeal a law that bans the
very guns these groups claim they need to take up arms against the government."
FLEOA is a non-partisan association representing more than 10,000 federal criminal
investigators from at least 51 different entities, including the FBI, DEA, BATF, Secret
Service and the U.S. Marshals.
-30-
01-26-95 12:00 PM
PUI
FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS ASSOCIATION
Facsimile Transmission Record
JOSÉ CERdA
Transmitted To:
Telephone Number:
Transmitted By:
Name:
Vic OBoysthi
Telephone Number: 212-385-6938
Date: 4/26/95
This document consists of 2 pages excluding this cover
sheet.
Comments:
01-26-95
12:00
PM
P02
Contact:
Vic O'Boyski
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(212) 385-6938
Tuesday, April 25, 1995
FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS ASSOCIATION (FLEOA) OUTRAGED
AT NRA'S ANTI-LAW ENFORCEMENT, ANTI-GOVERNMENT RHETORIC
The Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA) today expressed their outrage at
the leadership of the National Rifle Association, whose rhetoric and organized anti-federal law
enforcement campaigns indirectly contributed to the recent tragedy in Oklahoma City.
"I am not claiming the NRA was in any way directly connected to the bombing in Oklahoma
City. or that they have formal tics to the growing militia movement," stated Vic O'Boyski,
President of FLEOA, "but they must take responsibility for their words and actions.
By their enthusiastic endorsement and promotion of the idea that the Second Amendment allows
disgruntled citizens to take up arms against government tyranny. and their public campaign to
discredit specific federal law enforcement agencies, they have strongly contributed to the
atmosphere of fear and paranoia that led to the Oklahoma City disaster.
The NRA, in an effort to reverse the enactment of reasonable gun control laws, has consistently
claimed that such laws will ultimately lead to confiscation of weapons from law-abiding citizens
by agents of an oppressive government. To support these claims they have publicly
"demonized" agencies such as the FBI and the BATF by painting them as out-of-control
bureaucrats, ready to break down the doors of innocent citizens. Such statements are false and
irresponsible and those who make them should be held accountable.
To understand the seriousness of these attacks, one need only look at an NRA direct mail piece
from April, 1995: 'In Clinton's administration. if you have a badge. you have the government's
go-ahead to harass, intimidate, even murder law-abiding citizens. Randy Weaver at Ruby
Ridge Waco and the Branch Davidians not too long ago it was unthinkable for Federal
agents wearing nazi bucket helmets and black storm trooper uniforms to attack law abiding
citizens."
The NRA needs to understand that the "bureaucrats" they love to bash for their own political
gain, are rcal people with families and loved ones. In the case of federal law enforcement, they
are dedicated public servants who put their lives on the line day after day. My colleagues work
to defend the Constitution, not abuse it, yet they have become the targets of smear campaigns
by those with a political agenda. They deserve better.
FLEOA believes that the American people must see Oklahoma City as a wake-up call to the
threats presented by these individuals and groups that operate on the fringes of our society. We
should not wait until we are shocked by another Oklahoma City incident.
01-26-95 12:00 PM
P03
It is becoming clear that the recently enacted ban on assault weapons was particularly offensive
to these so called militia groups. FLEOA joins with other law enforcement in calling upon the
U.S. Congress to abandon its insane attempt to repeal a law that bans the very guns these groups
claim they need to take up arms against the government."
FLEOA is a non-partisan association representing more than 10,000 federal criminal
investigators from at least 51 different entities, including the FBI, DEA, BATF. Secret Service
and the U.S. Marshals.
-30-
NATIONAL
DESCRIPTION
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF POLICE ORGANIZATIONS, INC.
Representing America's Finest
POLICE
750 First Street, N.E., Suite 1020
Washington, D.C. 20002-4241
(202) 842-4420
(800) 322-NAPO
(202) 842-4396 FAX
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT:
President
Executive Director
THOMAS J. SCOTTO
May 19, 1995
Beth McGee (202) 842-4420
ROBERT T. SCULLY
President, Detective
General Counsel
Endowment Association
WILLIAM J. JOHNSON
of New York City
New York, NY
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of POLICE ORGANIZATIONS SURVEY Legislative Consultants
JULES BERNSTEIN
FINDS STRONG SUPPORT FOR LOCAL, FEDERAL POLICE
LINDA LIPSETT
Executive Vice President
TONY LOIZZO
Senior Vice President
Dade County PBA
POLL SHOWS NEGATIVE OPINION of CITIZEN MILITIAS
Miami, FL
Recording Secretary
The National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO) today released the results of
O.J. HOLT
President, Central
their 1995 Survey on Crime and Public Safety which found overwhelming support for
c
Chapter, PORAC
federal law enforcement agencies such as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms
San Jose, CA
and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, as well as local police. The survey also
Treasurer
ROBERT SHEEHAN
showed Americans have a very negative opinion of citizen militias in the wake of the
President,
Florida PBA
Oklahoma City bombing. The survey asked respondents a series of questions affecting
Tallahassee, FL
law enforcement from recent events like the Oklahoma City bombing and the O.J.
Sergeant-at-Arms
Simpson trial to pending federal legislation.
MARTIN McKEAN
Executive Secretary,
Ohio PBA
"Earlier this week on National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Day, we honored
Berea, OH
our brothers and sisters in law enforcement slain in the line of duty. Today, the
Executive Secretary
B.D. "BUD" STONE
thousands of mourners have left Washington, DC, but the issues affecting law
Past President PORAC
enforcement remain," said Robert T. Scully, Executive Director of the 180,000
Berkeley, CA
member organization.
"Lately there has been far too much angry rhetoric against law enforcement. Vicious
language has been used against our colleagues in federal law enforcement and the entire
policing profession has been castigated as liars by a prominent attorney for O.J.
Simpson," Scully continued. "Law enforcement officers on the front lines of crime
each and every day deserve the respect of the American people and the help of the
Congress in order to do our job. We do not deserve these unwarranted attacks upon
our livelihood."
The results of the survey confirm that the American public overwhelmingly support
federal and local law enforcement and are sympathetic to a broad array of law
enforcement issues.
Key findings of those responding to the 1995 NAPO Survey are:
*79% have a favorable opinion of federal law enforcement authorities such as the
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and
Firearms (BATF).
*84% believe that law enforcement authorities should have more authority to infiltrate
groups suspected of subversive activity.
R
15
*87% have an unfavorable opinion of citizen militias.
*97% disagree with the statement that the Oklahoma City bombing was committed by
the federal government.
*76% believe that special funds should be given to work on preventing future terrorist
attacks in the United States.
While there are several pieces of legislation NAPO is tracking, our legislative priorities
now under consideration by Congress include: upholding the 100,000 police officers
program against the popular block grant movement in Congress; reforming the habeas
corpus process for death row inmates; and keeping the assault weapons ban intact.
Clearly, the American people support law enforcement's agenda and even when they
think the crime problem in state to be worsening, they believe that their local police are
doing a good job.
*72% think the crime problem in their state is getting worse.
*84% believe that the police in their community are doing a good job.
*66% support streamlining the habeas corpus appeals process for death row inmates.
*73% do not support repeal of the assault weapons ban.
*When presented with several crimefighting options, the majority of respondents chose
putting more police on the streets as the best way to fight crime over any other option:
*74% chose more police over more prisons
*83% chose more police over carrying concealed weapons
*56% chose more police over stricter laws.
"Law enforcement has been the subject of several attacks by the defense attorneys for
O.J. Simpson, but the American public isn't buying their attempts to shift the focus off
Mr. Simpson, " Scully said.
*86% do not believe that police departments and academies train their officers to lie.
*84% do not believe it is proper for O.J. Simpson's attorneys to stereotype all police
officers as liars and perjurers.
*67% believe that O.J. Simpson's attorneys should be disciplined for their negative
comments regarding police officers.
The nationwide telephone survey, conducted by Global Strategy Group, Inc., for the
National Association of Police Organziations, randomly polled 800 registered voters
from May 4 - 11, 1995 with a margin of error of +/- 3.5%.
--30--
THE 1995 NAPO SURVEY ON
CRIME AND PUBLIC SAFETY
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION Alaska
OF
POLICE
INC.
POLICE
Hawaii-
ORGANIZATIONS
GSG
Global Strategy Group, Inc. Tel: 212.260.8813 Fax: 212.260.9058
1995 NAPO SURVEY ON CRIME AND PUBLIC SAFETY
KEY FINDINGS:
OKLAHOMA CITY
79% of Americans have a favorable
opinion of the FBI and the ATF.
»
81% of Republicans have a favorable
opinion.
84% of those surveyed feel that law
enforcement authorities should
have more authority to infiltrate
groups suspected of subversive
activity.
»
This support is equal (84%) among
Republicans and Democrats.
87% of those interviewed have an
unfavorable opinion of citizen
militias.
GSG
Global Strategy Group, Inc.
Tel: 212.260.8813 Fax: 212.260.9058
1995 NAPO SURVEY ON CRIME AND PUBLIC SAFETY
KEY FINDINGS:
PUBLIC SAFETY
72% of those surveyed believe that the crime
problem in their state is getting worse.
»
81% of those in the Pacific region feel that
crime is getting worse.
However, those surveyed do not feel police are
to blame for the crime problem.
»
84% of those interviewed believe that
police in their community are doing a good
job.
»
56% of American voters personally worry
about being a victim of crime.
- 66% of women fear for their personal
safety.
57% of those interviewed feel adequately
protected from being a victim of crime.
65% of those 50 and over fell adequately
protected.
GSG
Global Strategy Group, Inc.
Tel: 212.260.8813 Fax: 212.260.9058
1995 NAPO SURVEY ON CRIME AND PUBLIC SAFETY
KEY FINDINGS: GUN
CONTROL
Americans are in favor of restrictions on gun
ownership.
73% of respondents oppose repealing the
ban on assault weapons.
- Both Democrats (74%) and
Republicans (72%) oppose the repeal.
65% of voters oppose the repeal of the
Brady law which provides a 5 day waiting
period on handgun purchases and a
background check.
- Again, the majority of Democrats (61%)
and Republicans (65%) oppose the
repeal of the Brady law.
Of those interviewed who do not feel
adequately protected by the police, only 42% of
these respondents would feel adequately
protected if they were allowed to carry a
concealed handgun.
GSG
Global Strategy Group, Inc.
Tel: 212.260.8813 Fax: 212.260.9058
1995 NAPO SURVEY ON CRIME AND PUBLIC SAFETY
KEY FINDINGS: BLOCK
GRANTS
Those interviewed believe that the best
way to fight crime in their communities
is to put more police on the streets.
»
56% of voters believe that the best way to
fight crime is to put more police on the
streets rather than passing stricter laws.
- A majority of both Democrats (61%) and
Republicans (55%) favor more police.
»
83% of those interviewed support more
police over carrying a concealed weapon
as a means of fighting crime.
- 84% of Republicans
»
74% support more police over more
prisons as a means of fighting crime.
- 86% of those residing in the Atlantic Region.
GSG
Global Strategy Group, Inc.
Tel: 212.260.8813 Fax: 212.260.9058
1995 NAPO SURVEY ON CRIME AND PUBLIC SAFETY
KEY FINDINGS:
SIMPSON TRIAL
70% of Americans feel that the press has
treated the Los Angeles Police Department
unfairly.
86% of those interviewed refute the notion
being put forward by the Simpson defense
team that Police Departments train their officers
to lie.
84% of respondents feel that it is improper for
O.J. Simpson's attorneys to stereotype police
officers as liars and perjurers.
67% of those feel that the Simpson defense
team has acted improperly are in favor of
disciplinary actions against the attorneys
who made those comments.
GSG
Global Strategy Group, Inc.
Tel: 212.260.8813 Fax: 212.260.9058
1995 NAPO SURVEY ON CRIME AND PUBLIC SAFETY
METHODOLOGY
The survey conducted was a
nationwide random sample of 800
registered voters.
The survey was conducted from May 4
to May 11, 1995
The margin of error for this research is
+/- 3.5%.
GSG
Global Strategy Group, Inc.
Tel: 212.260.8813 Fax: 212.260.9058
NATIONAL
ASSIGNATION
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF POLICE ORGANIZATIONS, INC.
Representing America's Finest
POLICE
ORGANIZATIONS
750 First Street, N.E., Suite 1020
Washington, D.C. 20002-4241
(202) 842-4420
(800) 322-NAPO
(202) 842-4396 FAX
President
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT:
Executive Director
THOMAS J. SCOTTO
ROBERT T. SCULLY
May 19, 1995
Beth McGee (202) 842-4420
President, Detective
General Counsel
Endowment Association
WILLIAM J. JOHNSON
of New York City
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of POLICE ORGANIZATIONS SURVEY
Legislative Consultants
New York, NY
JULES BERNSTEIN
FINDS STRONG SUPPORT FOR LOCAL, FEDERAL POLICE
LINDA LIPSETT
Executive Vice President
TONY LOIZZO
Senior Vice President
Dade County PBA
POLL SHOWS NEGATIVE OPINION of CITIZEN MILITIAS
Miami, FL
Recording Secretary
The National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO) today released the results of
O. J. HOLT
President, Central
their 1995 Survey on Crime and Public Safety which found overwhelming support for
Coast Chapter, PORAC
San Jose, CA
federal law enforcement agencies such as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms
and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, as well as local police. The survey also
Treasurer
ROBERT SHEEHAN
showed Americans have a very negative opinion of citizen militias in the wake of the
President,
Florida PBA
Oklahoma City bombing. The survey asked respondents a series of questions affecting
Tallahassee, FL
law enforcement from recent events like the Oklahoma City bombing and the O.J.
Sergeant-at-Arms
Simpson trial to pending federal legislation.
MARTIN McKEAN
Executive Secretary,
Ohio PBA
"Earlier this week on National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Day, we honored
Berea, OH
our brothers and sisters in law enforcement slain in the line of duty. Today, the
Executive Secretary
B.D. "BUD" STONE
thousands of mourners have left Washington, DC, but the issues affecting law
Past President PORAC
enforcement remain," said Robert T. Scully, Executive Director of the 180,000
Berkeley, CA
member organization.
"Lately there has been far too much angry rhetoric against law enforcement. Vicious
language has been used against our colleagues in federal law enforcement and the entire
policing profession has been castigated as liars by a prominent attorney for O.J.
Simpson," Scully continued. "Law enforcement officers on the front lines of crime
each and every day deserve the respect of the American people and the help of the
Congress in order to do our job. We do not deserve these unwarranted attacks upon
our livelihood."
The results of the survey confirm that the American public overwhelmingly support
federal and local law enforcement and are sympathetic to a broad array of law
enforcement issues.
Key findings of those responding to the 1995 NAPO Survey are:
*79% have a favorable opinion of federal law enforcement authorities such as the
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and
Firearms (BATF).
*84% believe that law enforcement authorities should have more authority to infiltrate
groups suspected of subversive activity.
R
15)
*87% have an unfavorable opinion of citizen militias.
*97% disagree with the statement that the Oklahoma City bombing was committed by
the federal government.
*76% believe that special funds should be given to work on preventing future terrorist
attacks in the United States.
While there are several pieces of legislation NAPO is tracking, our legislative priorities
now under consideration by Congress include: upholding the 100,000 police officers
program against the popular block grant movement in Congress; reforming the habeas
corpus process for death row inmates; and keeping the assault weapons ban intact.
Clearly, the American people support law enforcement's agenda and even when they
think the crime problem in state to be worsening, they believe that their local police are
doing a good job.
*72% think the crime problem in their state is getting worse.
*84% believe that the police in their community are doing a good job.
*66% support streamlining the habeas corpus appeals process for death row inmates.
*73% do not support repeal of the assault weapons ban.
*When presented with several crimefighting options, the majority of respondents chose
putting more police on the streets as the best way to fight crime over any other option:
*74% chose more police over more prisons
*83% chose more police over carrying concealed weapons
*56% chose more police over stricter laws.
"Law enforcement has been the subject of several attacks by the defense attorneys for
O.J. Simpson, but the American public isn't buying their attempts to shift the focus off
Mr. Simpson, " Scully said.
*86% do not believe that police departments and academies train their officers to lie.
*84% do not believe it is proper for O.J. Simpson's attorneys to stereotype all police
officers as liars and perjurers.
*67% believe that O.J. Simpson's attorneys should be disciplined for their negative
comments regarding police officers.
The nationwide telephone survey, conducted by Global Strategy Group, Inc., for the
National Association of Police Organziations, randomly polled 800 registered voters
from May 4 - 11, 1995 with a margin of error of +/-3.5%.
--30--
THE 1995 NAPO SURVEY ON
CRIME AND PUBLIC SAFETY
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION Alaska
OF
POLICE
INC.
POLICE ORGANIZATIONS
Hawaii-
GSG
Global Strategy Group, Inc.
Tel: 212.260.8813 Fax: 212.260.9058
1995 NAPO SURVEY ON CRIME AND PUBLIC SAFETY
KEY FINDINGS:
OKLAHOMA CITY
79% of Americans have a favorable
opinion of the FBI and the ATF.
» 81% of Republicans have a favorable
opinion.
84% of those surveyed feel that law
enforcement authorities should
have more authority to infiltrate
groups suspected of subversive
activity.
» This support is equal (84%) among
Republicans and Democrats.
87% of those interviewed have an
unfavorable opinion of citizen
militias.
GSG
Global Strategy Group, Inc.
Tel: 212.260.8813 Fax: 212.260.9058
1995 NAPO SURVEY ON CRIME AND PUBLIC SAFETY
KEY FINDINGS:
PUBLIC SAFETY
72% of those surveyed believe that the crime
problem in their state is getting worse.
81% of those in the Pacific region feel that
crime is getting worse.
However, those surveyed do not feel police are
to blame for the crime problem.
84% of those interviewed believe that
police in their community are doing a good
job.
56% of American voters personally worry
about being a victim of crime.
- 66% of women fear for their personal
safety.
57% of those interviewed feel adequately
protected from being a victim of crime.
65% of those 50 and over fell adequately
protected.
GSG
Global Strategy Group, Inc.
Tel: 212.260.8813 Fax: 212.260.9058
1995 NAPO SURVEY ON CRIME AND PUBLIC SAFETY
KEY FINDINGS: GUN
CONTROL
Americans are in favor of restrictions on gun
ownership.
73% of respondents oppose repealing the
ban on assault weapons.
- Both Democrats (74%) and
Republicans (72%) oppose the repeal.
65% of voters oppose the repeal of the
Brady law which provides a 5 day waiting
period on handgun purchases and a
background check.
- Again, the majority of Democrats (61%)
and Republicans (65%) oppose the
repeal of the Brady law.
Of those interviewed who do not feel
adequately protected by the police, only 42% of
these respondents would feel adequately
protected if they were allowed to carry a
concealed handgun.
GSG
Global Strategy Group, Inc.
Tel: 212.260.8813 Fax: 212.260.9058
1995 NAPO SURVEY ON CRIME AND PUBLIC SAFETY
KEY FINDINGS: BLOCK
GRANTS
Those interviewed believe that the best
way to fight crime in their communities
is to put more police on the streets.
»
56% of voters believe that the best way to
fight crime is to put more police on the
streets rather than passing stricter laws.
- A majority of both Democrats (61%) and
Republicans (55%) favor more police.
»
83% of those interviewed support more
police over carrying a concealed weapon
as a means of fighting crime.
- 84% of Republicans
»
74% support more police over more
prisons as a means of fighting crime.
- 86% of those residing in the Atlantic Region.
GSG
Global Strategy Group, Inc.
Tel: 212.260.8813 Fax: 212.260.9058
1995 NAPO SURVEY ON CRIME AND PUBLIC SAFETY
KEY FINDINGS:
SIMPSON TRIAL
70% of Americans feel that the press has
treated the Los Angeles Police Department
unfairly.
86% of those interviewed refute the notion
being put forward by the Simpson defense
team that Police Departments train their officers
to lie.
84% of respondents feel that it is improper for
O.J. Simpson's attorneys to stereotype police
officers as liars and perjurers.
67% of those feel that the Simpson defense
team has acted improperly are in favor of
disciplinary actions against the attorneys
who made those comments.
GSG
Global Strategy Group, Inc.
Tel: 212.260.8813 Fax: 212.260.9058
1995 NAPO SURVEY ON CRIME AND PUBLIC SAFETY
METHODOLOGY
The survey conducted was a
nationwide random sample of 800
registered voters.
The survey was conducted from May 4
to May 11, 1995
The margin of error for this research is
+/- 3.5%.
GSG
Global Strategy Group, Inc.
Tel: 212.260.8813 Fax: 212.260.9058
NATIONAL
ASSIGNATION
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF POLICE ORGANIZATIONS, INC.
Representing America's Finest
POLLCE
750 First Street, N.E., Suite 1020
Washington, D.C. 20002-4241
(202) 842-4420
(800) 322-NAPO
(202) 842-4396 FAX
President
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT:
Executive Director
THOMAS J. SCOTTO
May 19, 1995
ROBERT T. SCULLY
Beth McGee (202) 842-4420
President, Detective
General Counsel
Endowment Association
WILLIAM J. JOHNSON
of New York City
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of POLICE ORGANIZATIONS SURVEY
Legislative Consultants
New York, NY
JULES BERNSTEIN
FINDS STRONG SUPPORT FOR LOCAL, FEDERAL POLICE
LINDA LIPSETT
Executive Vice President
TONY LOIZZO
Senior Vice President
Dade County PBA
POLL SHOWS NEGATIVE OPINION of CITIZEN MILITIAS
Miami, FL
Recording Secretary
The National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO) today released the results of
O. J. HOLT
President, Central
their 1995 Survey on Crime and Public Safety which found overwhelming support for
Coast Chapter, PORAC
San Jose, CA
federal law enforcement agencies such as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms
and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, as well as local police. The survey also
Treasurer
ROBERT SHEEHAN
showed Americans have a very negative opinion of citizen militias in the wake of the
President,
Florida PBA
Oklahoma City bombing. The survey asked respondents a series of questions affecting
Tallahassee, FL
law enforcement from recent events like the Oklahoma City bombing and the O.J.
Sergeant-at-Arms
Simpson trial to pending federal legislation.
MARTIN McKEAN
Executive Secretary,
Ohio PBA
"Earlier this week on National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Day, we honored
Berea, OH
our brothers and sisters in law enforcement slain in the line of duty. Today, the
Executive Secretary
B. D. "BUD" STONE
thousands of mourners have left Washington, DC, but the issues affecting law
Past President PORAC
enforcement remain," said Robert T. Scully, Executive Director of the 180,000
Berkeley, CA
member organization.
"Lately there has been far too much angry rhetoric against law enforcement. Vicious
language has been used against our colleagues in federal law enforcement and the entire
policing profession has been castigated as liars by a prominent attorney for O.J.
Simpson," Scully continued. "Law enforcement officers on the front lines of crime
each and every day deserve the respect of the American people and the help of the
Congress in order to do our job. We do not deserve these unwarranted attacks upon
our livelihood."
The results of the survey confirm that the American public overwhelmingly support
federal and local law enforcement and are sympathetic to a broad array of law
enforcement issues.
Key findings of those responding to the 1995 NAPO Survey are:
*79% have a favorable opinion of federal law enforcement authorities such as the
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and
Firearms (BATF).
*84% believe that law enforcement authorities should have more authority to infiltrate
groups suspected of subversive activity.
R
15
*87% have an unfavorable opinion of citizen militias.
*97% disagree with the statement that the Oklahoma City bombing was committed by
the federal government.
*76% believe that special funds should be given to work on preventing future terrorist
attacks in the United States.
While there are several pieces of legislation NAPO is tracking, our legislative priorities
now under consideration by Congress include: upholding the 100,000 police officers
program against the popular block grant movement in Congress; reforming the habeas
corpus process for death row inmates; and keeping the assault weapons ban intact.
Clearly, the American people support law enforcement's agenda and even when they
think the crime problem in state to be worsening, they believe that their local police are
doing a good job.
*72% think the crime problem in their state is getting worse.
*84% believe that the police in their community are doing a good job.
*66% support streamlining the habeas corpus appeals process for death row inmates.
*73% do not support repeal of the assault weapons ban.
*When presented with several crimefighting options, the majority of respondents chose
putting more police on the streets as the best way to fight crime over any other option:
*74% chose more police over more prisons
*83% chose more police over carrying concealed weapons
*56% chose more police over stricter laws.
"Law enforcement has been the subject of several attacks by the defense attorneys for
O.J. Simpson, but the American public isn't buying their attempts to shift the focus off
Mr. Simpson, " Scully said.
*86% do not believe that police departments and academies train their officers to lie.
*84% do not believe it is proper for O.J. Simpson's attorneys to stereotype all police
officers as liars and perjurers.
*67% believe that O.J. Simpson's attorneys should be disciplined for their negative
comments regarding police officers.
The nationwide telephone survey, conducted by Global Strategy Group, Inc., for the
National Association of Police Organziations, randomly polled 800 registered voters
from May 4 - 11, 1995 with a margin of error of +/- 3.5%.
--30--
THE 1995 NAPO SURVEY ON
CRIME AND PUBLIC SAFETY
NATIONAL
Alaska
OF
POLICE
INC.
POLICE ORGANIZATIONS
Hawaii-
GSG
Global Strategy Group, Inc.
Tel: 212.260.8813 Fax: 212.260.9058
1995 NAPO SURVEY ON CRIME AND PUBLIC SAFETY
KEY FINDINGS:
OKLAHOMA CITY
79% of Americans have a favorable
opinion of the FBI and the ATF.
»
81% of Republicans have a favorable
opinion.
84% of those surveyed feel that law
enforcement authorities should
have more authority to infiltrate
groups suspected of subversive
activity.
»
This support is equal (84%) among
Republicans and Democrats.
87% of those interviewed have an
unfavorable opinion of citizen
militias.
GSG
Global Strategy Group, Inc.
Tel: 212.260.8813 Fax: 212.260.9058
1995 NAPO SURVEY ON CRIME AND PUBLIC SAFETY
KEY FINDINGS:
PUBLIC SAFETY
72% of those surveyed believe that the crime
problem in their state is getting worse.
»
81% of those in the Pacific region feel that
crime is getting worse.
However, those surveyed do not feel police are
to blame for the crime problem.
»
84% of those interviewed believe that
police in their community are doing a good
job.
»
56% of American voters personally worry
about being a victim of crime.
- 66% of women fear for their personal
safety.
57% of those interviewed feel adequately
protected from being a victim of crime.
»
65% of those 50 and over fell adequately
protected.
GSG
Global Strategy Group, Inc.
Tel: 212.260.8813 Fax: 212.260.9058
1995 NAPO SURVEY ON CRIME AND PUBLIC SAFETY
KEY FINDINGS: GUN
CONTROL
Americans are in favor of restrictions on gun
ownership.
73% of respondents oppose repealing the
ban on assault weapons.
- Both Democrats (74%) and
Republicans (72%) oppose the repeal.
65% of voters oppose the repeal of the
Brady law which provides a 5 day waiting
period on handgun purchases and a
background check.
- Again, the majority of Democrats (61%)
and Republicans (65%) oppose the
repeal of the Brady law.
Of those interviewed who do not feel
adequately protected by the police, only 42% of
these respondents would feel adequately
protected if they were allowed to carry a
concealed handgun.
GSG
Global Strategy Group, Inc.
Tel: 212.260.8813 Fax: 212.260.9058
1995 NAPO SURVEY ON CRIME AND PUBLIC SAFETY
KEY FINDINGS: BLOCK
GRANTS
Those interviewed believe that the best
way to fight crime in their communities
is to put more police on the streets.
»
56% of voters believe that the best way to
fight crime is to put more police on the
streets rather than passing stricter laws.
- A majority of both Democrats (61%) and
Republicans (55%) favor more police.
»
83% of those interviewed support more
police over carrying a concealed weapon
as a means of fighting crime.
- 84% of Republicans
»
74% support more police over more
prisons as a means of fighting crime.
- 86% of those residing in the Atlantic Region.
GSG
Global Strategy Group, Inc.
Tel: 212.260.8813 Fax: 212.260.9058
1995 NAPO SURVEY ON CRIME AND PUBLIC SAFETY
KEY FINDINGS:
SIMPSON TRIAL
70% of Americans feel that the press has
treated the Los Angeles Police Department
unfairly.
86% of those interviewed refute the notion
being put forward by the Simpson defense
team that Police Departments train their officers
to lie.
84% of respondents feel that it is improper for
O.J. Simpson's attorneys to stereotype police
officers as liars and perjurers.
»
67% of those feel that the Simpson defense
team has acted improperly are in favor of
disciplinary actions against the attorneys
who made those comments.
GSG
Global Strategy Group, Inc.
Tel: 212.260.8813 Fax: 212.260.9058
1995 NAPO SURVEY ON CRIME AND PUBLIC SAFETY
METHODOLOGY
The survey conducted was a
nationwide random sample of 800
registered voters.
The survey was conducted from May 4
to May 11, 1995
The margin of error for this research is
+/- 3.5%.
GSG
Global Strategy Group, Inc. Tel: 212.260.8813 Fax: 212.260.9058
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
May 19, 1995
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
DURING MEETING WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT STEERING COMMITTEE
The Cabinet Room
10:25 P.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: I asked the heads of all of these major
law enforcement organizations to come and meet with me in the White
House today for two reasons. First, some of our work to enhance the
safety of America's police officers and America's citizens, and to
better protect the police officers, to help them protect us. A lot
of that work is under attack.
Some in Congress want to undermine our efforts to put
100,000 police officers on the street. Some want to repeal the Brady
Bill, even though it's stopped over 40,000 fugitives and felons from
purchasing weapons last year alone. And some want to repeal the ban
on deadly assault weapons, even though it is helping to protect the
lives of innocent police officers and children on our streets.
I want to enlist these leaders' continued support in
fighting these misguided attempts to roll back the clock in the fight
against crime. And I want to make it clear that if Congress gives in
to the political pressure to do this and repeals any of these
measures, I will veto them in a heartbeat. In any fight between our
country's law enforcement and the Washington gun lobby, I will side
with law enforcement.
Secondly, I want to discuss the attempts by a vocal
minority to run down our police officers for their own benefit. The
people who tried to make police officers the enemy when we were
having a lot of controversy in this country back in the 1960s were
wrong, and the people who are trying to do it today are wrong.
I don't care if you want less government or more
government, I don't care if you favor repeal or retention of the
assault weapons ban. Whatever you believe, no one has a right to
attack those who uphold the law. Police officers risk their lives to
protect our lives; they're on our side. I hope anyone who thinks
otherwise has learned a valuable lesson in the debate in this country
in the last couple of weeks.
I hope the NRA knows by now that anyone who pretends
that police officers are the enemy is only giving aid and comfort to
criminals who are really the enemy. I am glad the NRA apologized for
the cruel attack on law enforcement officers in their fundraising
letter on Wednesday. However, I note today that yesterday they
seemed to be bragging about how much money they made from the
fundraising letter in which they attacked police officers as "jack-
booted thugs."
Now, if the NRA's apology is sincere, what they ought to
do is put their money where their mouth is. They ought to give up
the ill-gotten gains from their bogus fundraising letter, for which
they have already apologized and acknowledged as inappropriate. They
ought to turn that money over to the organization that helps the
families of police officers who died in the line of duty. They made
the money by attacking the police, they admitted they did the wrong
MORE
- 2 -
thing, they ought to give the money up. That would show true good
faith and would set the basis for an honest and open dialogue in this
country about issues that ought not to divide us by party, by region,
by ideology, or in any other way. They ought to give the money back.
Thank you.
Q
Do you think they will?
THE PRESIDENT: I don't know.
MR. STOKES: I think they rescinded their statement the
other day in the paper at home. One of the NRA members said in our
local newspaper that they didn't mean that apology.
Q
Have they said it to you? Have they said it
formally at all, except in --
MR. STOKES: They said it in the newspaper the other
day. They did not accept -- they did not think that apology reached
out to law enforcement.
Q
Well, are any of your people across the board
resigning from the NRA?
MR. STOKES: I've had some calls from -- some of our
members have resigned from the NRA -- yes -- in the last -- since
their letter came out about a week ago.
Q Mr. President, do you have any words for the Senate
as they're starting to debate the budget resolution today?
THE PRESIDENT: Just what I've said all along. First of
all, let me say again, I hope very much that we can -- ultimately,
we'll wind up agreeing on a rescission package to start cutting
spending more right now. I want to cut spending by more than the
House and Senate agreed in their committee to cut it, but I think
it's cut in the wrong way. We shouldn't put pork back in the budget
and cut education. I have said what I think about this. I think we
have to continue to work for a balanced budget. I think we can
achieve a balanced budget. I do not believe that the right way to do
it is by making severe cuts in Medicare and Medicaid, the health care
of our seniors and disabled population, and using that money to pay
for tax cuts for upper-income people. I do not believe that it's
right to make it more expensive to go or to college. I don't think
we ought to raise taxes on our lowest-income working families with
children. Those are the three things that I think are wrong.
I think there is a lot to commend the efforts that have
been made by the Republicans in Congress. I think that, you know,
they have shown that it is arithmetically possible to reach a
balanced budget. And I believe that if we continue to work on a lot
of the things that we're doing constructively in health care and
other areas, we can achieve this. But I don't believe that we can do
it with those three big, big problems out there. And I hope that we
can work those out in the weeks and months ahead.
I
How do you think you're going to --
Q
Senator Gramm just charged that you are committed
to protecting the government that you know and love, and programs
that have failed for the last 40 years.
THE PRESIDENT: -- Senator Gramm - -- let me just say this
-- I don't want to get in a fight with Senator Gramm, but look at the
record. He was here during the Reagan years and the Bush years when
they quadrupled the government deficit. And I would just point out
that the administrations that he supported always sent budgets to
Congress that were in excess of the ones Congress approved. I would
point out that if it weren't for the interest run up before I ever
- 3 -
showed up here, if it weren't for the interest run up between 1981
and the end of 1992, we would have a budget that is in balance today.
And I have already cut or eliminated some 300 programs, and we
propose, in this new budget, to cut or eliminate some 400 more.
We have done more to challenge and change the status quo
in two years than the previous administrations did in the last 12,
perhaps the last 20. Furthermore, I don't see Senator Gramm out
there campaigning for lobby reform, campaign finance reform. I don't
even know what's happened to the line-item veto. If they're worried
-- if they want me to show them how to end the status quo, send me
the line-item veto. Where is it?
If I had the line-item veto, we wouldn't be having this
argument about the rescission bill; I could just get rid of it. All
the things that -- Senator Gramm is defending this rescission bill --
$1 million for a city street? Nine highway projects in one
congressional district? A hundred million dollars for a courthouse,
when we're cutting education? It seems to me that he's on the side
of the status quo. I want to cut spending, but I want to change the
way the government works here. And I would urge him to stop
protecting the Republican pork, just as I'm willing to scrap the
Democratic pork, and let's put partisan politics behind us and get on
with moving the country forward.
THE PRESS: Thank you.
END
10:33 A.M. EDT
Date: 05/19/95 Time: 14:40
Clinton to NRA: Give the Money Back
WASHINGTON (AP) An apology isn't enough, President Clinton
said Friday, challenging the National Rifle Association to give up
more than $1 million reaped from a fund-raising letter calling law
enforcement officers jack-booted thugs.
I hope the NRA knows by now that anyone who pretends that
police officers are the enemy is only giving aid and comfort to
criminals who are really the enemy, said Clinton. He has battled
the gun lobby throughout his presidency.
Leaders of major law enforcement organizations joined Clinton at
the White House in denouncing the NRA and accusing it of putting
police officers' lives in danger with inflammatory rhetoric.
I think the NRA is just out to dishonor law enforcement,
said Bob Scully, executive director of the National Association of
Police Organizations.
The NRA, holding its annual convention in Phoenix, did not
respond immediately to Clinton's challenge.
The group has been on the defensive since former President Bush
resigned his lifetime NRA membership in protest of its accusations
against police. After a week of growing criticism, the NRA
apologized for any offense, particularly to law enforcement
officials.
If the NRA's apology is sincere, Clinton said, what they
ought to do is put their money where their mouth is. They ought to
give up the ill-gotten gains from the bogus fund-raising letter.
They ought to turn that money over to the organization that
helps the families of police officers who died in the line of
duty.
They made the money by attacking the police, they admitted
they did the wrong thing, they ought to give the money up, the
president said, flanked by uniformed officers in the Cabinet Room.
Clinton used the occasion to pledge anew that he will oppose any
effort to repeal either the Brady Bill, with its restrictions on
handgun purchases, or the ban on assault weapons, or to scale back
a commitment to put 100,000 new police officers on the streets.
If Congress gives in to the political pressure to do this and
repeals any of these measures, I will veto them in a heartbeat,
Clinton said.
The president said the NRA, despite its apology, was bragging
about the success of the fund-raising letter.
Indeed, NRA officials said the letter has drawn more than
900,000 responses, most of them positive, making it one of the
group's most successful ever. NRA executive vice president Wayne
LaPierre said it would raise well over $1 million.
Clinton's challenge to the NRA was echoed by leaders of police
groups.
If they raised that much money, then why don't they give it to
law enforcement officers' widows and widowers
and start their
solicitation over again, said Scully.
Every law enforcement officer in this country that does wear a
badge ought to be outraged at what the NRA is doing, said Dewey
Stokes, head of the Fraternal Order of Police.
Scully said, Crime against us is going up and we attribute
that to the remarks that certain people are making in this country,
like the NRA, like certain talk show hosts and like prestigious
defense attorneys.
APNP-05-19-95 1441EDT
Date: 05/19/95 Time: 11:51
Clinton Challenge NRA to Give Up Money From Fund-Raising Letter
WASHINGTON (AP) President Clinton today challenged the
National Rifle Association to surrender the money it raised by a
fund-raising letter that attacked law enforcement officers as
jack-booted thugs.
They ought to give the money up, Clinton said, flanked by
leaders of law enforcement organizations in the Cabinet Room.
Noting that the NRA has apologized for the letter, Clinton said,
What they ought to do is put the money where their mouth is. They
ought to give up the ill-gotten gains from their bogus fund-raising
letter
Specifically, he suggested that the NRA give the money to
organizations that help families of officers slain in the line of
duty.
Former President George Bush resigned from the NRA in protest
over the letter. Nevertheless, the NRA says the fund-raising effort
was a success.
Clinton vowed to fight NRA-led efforts to repeal the ban on
assault weapons or roll back the Brady bill's handgun restrictions,
as well as cut back on plans to hire 100,000 new police officers.
I will veto them in a heartbeat, he pledged.
I hope the NRA knows by now that anyone who pretends that
police officers are the enemy is only giving aid and comfort to
criminals who are really the enemy, Clinton said.
Although they declined to release specific dollar figures, NRA
officials contend the letter has already drawn more than 900,000
responses most of them positive making it one of the group's
most successful pitches.
This is going to do very, very well, and will raise well over
a million dollars, said Wayne LaPierre, executive vice president
of the NRA. There is a very real concern out there about the
issues we raised in that letter.
Those concerns primarily over threats the group contends
citizens face from government agents have been overshadowed by
the letter's graphic language, which included references to law
enforcement officials as jack-booted thugs.
On Wednesday, after a week of growing criticism that began when
Bush announced he had resigned in protest over the letter's tone,
the NRA apologized for any offense, particularly to law enforcement
officials.
LaPierre said the group had not intended be critical of all law
enforcement officials.
LaPierre's statement drew cautious approval Thursday from the
White House, Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole, R-Kan., and Attorney
General Janet Reno.
White House Press Secretary Mike McCurry, who said he heard the
NRA was doing some backtracking, said the best form of apology
would be for the organization to support the anti-terrorism
legislation Clinton proposed after the Oklahoma City bombing.
That would be a very apt testimonial to the law enforcement
officials that the NRA has maligned and would be a good tribute to
those law enforcement officials who died, McCurry said.
I trust that the level of communication now will go forward in
a thoughtful and respectful way, Reno said at her weekly news
conference when asked about the apology. But later, discussing the
group's allegations of abuse by federal officers, she said, They
like to call names rather than to pursue matters in a thoughtful
and constructive way.
Dole, a longtime NRA member, said on the Senate floor, The NRA
has done the right thing. They should not have used some of that
language in the first place.
If the NRA's fund-raising claims hold up, the take from the
controversial letter could be more than double the money the group
had previously received this year.
According to Federal Election Commission records, the NRA
received $423,205 in donations from January through March. In 1994,
contributions totaled $6.7 million, FEC records show.
While LaPierre said the NRA never reveals exact fund-raising
totals, he did confirm that the letter went to nearly all of the
group's 3.5 million members.
If the NRA did generate close to 900,000 contributions and
letters of support, it would mean a success rate of about 35
percent a figure that political fund-raisers said would be
extremely impressive.
This is an extraordinary response, in the general sense of
fund raising, where you're doing very well if you get 10 percent,
said Robert Kaplan, a direct-mail fund-raiser from Los Angeles.
APNP-05-19-95 1152EDT
Date: 05/19/95 Time: 16:08
NRA Opens Annual Meeting Under Attack by Clinton Among Others
PHOENIX, Ariz. (AP) These should be the best of times for the
National Rifle Association.
Its lobbyists are working with the most sympathetic Congress in
years, if not decades. It has won some important battles in state
legislatures. Its membership is at an all-time high.
But as it opened its annual meeting here Friday, the NRA found
itself under attack both from without and within.
In Washington, President Clinton urged leaders of the
organization to give up donations it received in response to a
fund-raising letter that referred to federal agents as
jack-booted government thugs.
Clinton accused NRA leaders of giving aid and comfort to
criminals who are really the enemy. Earlier in the week, former
President Bush resigned from the NRA over the fund-raising letter.
At the annual meeting, splayed across two large hotels and the
Phoenix Convention Center, renegade members of the organization
made themselves visible to condemn the NRA's leadership for its
financial management and militant politics.
They're in deep trouble, said former NRA board member Dave
Edmondson, who stood sentry outside the convention's press room,
speaking to all who would listen. `They can put a smiley face
on
it all they want to, but they're in deep trouble.
It was a smiling face that Tanya Metaksa, the NRA's chief
lobbyist, put forth as she discussed the group's status in its
124th year. Considered one of the NRA's hard-liners, Metaksa is
among the leaders who are accused by moderates like Edmondson of
hijacking a once-staid sporting organization and pushing it to the
right-wing fringes.
She insisted that the NRA is both united and robust, enjoying
its highest-ever membership of 3.5 million and remaining true to
its mission of upholding a constitutional right to bear arms.
There's no struggle for the soul of the NRA, she said.
There's no schism.
If anything, the leadership of this
organization is more united than it's ever been in its history.
As for Clinton's criticisms of the NRA both for distributing
the fund-raising letter that criticized federal agents and for
boasting that the letter was likely to bring in more than $1
million in donations she was dismissive.
We're not ashamed, she said. What we've been calling for
for two years is a look at federal law enforcement agencies and
reported abuses. We will continue to call for that, and we believe
there will be an in-depth look.
The NRA has called for congressional hearings to examine the
actions of the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms,
especially in the raids on white separatist Randy Weaver in Idaho
and on the Branch Davidian cult in Texas.
But its attacks have drawn something of a backlash in the
aftermath of the bombing of the federal building in Oklahoma City.
Authorities say the bombing was the work of militants outraged over
the deaths of Branch Davidians.
The fund-raising letter that has drawn so much heat was written
before the bombing. In it, the NRA's executive vice president,
Wayne LaPierre, spoke of the group's enemies in Congress, who
helped pass a ban on some semi-automatic assault weapons.
It doesn't matter to them that the semi-auto ban gives
jack-booted government thugs more power to take away our
Constitutional rights, break in our doors, seize our guns, destroy
our property, and even injure or kill us, he wrote.
LaPierre apologized earlier this week, saying he hadn't meant to
cast aspersions on all federal law officers. But many in the NRA
believe his language was accurate, if perhaps a little overheated.
Metaksa dismissed the whole controversy as ``a huge media flap,
fueled by those who would deny Americans their rights.
She noted that the NRA has won battles in eight state
legislatures over the past two years, pushing through laws that
allow people to carry guns in public. We've had absolutely
astounding successes in that arena, she said.
However, as Edmondson noted, that NRA has also lost battles over
the assault weapon ban and the Brady Law, which restricted handgun
sales.
Referring to the current leadership, he said, Since they've
been in power, we've lost every major legislative battle. They have
totally failed, and I see no way it can get better.
APNP-05-19-95 1610EDT