WHEREAS:

Congressman James Traficant of Ohio introduced H.R. 384 to establish counseling programs for disabled police officers; and

WHEREAS:

Such legislation declares that disabled police officers, retired as a result of employment-related injuries, face the problems of acclimating to civilian life and coping with uncertainties regarding future employment and income as well as learning to live with disabilities; and

WHEREAS:

With appropriate career counseling, training and education programs and scholarship programs, disabled police officers can obtain meaningful employment and live productive lives; and

WHEREAS:

Many disabled police officers do not seek necessary counseling services for financial reasons; and

WHEREAS:

H.R. 384 would authorize the Attorney General of the United States to make grants for the purpose of providing free services to retired disabled police officers and such officers' immediate family members; and

WHEREAS:

AFSCME International believes that such a program would be worthwhile and in the interest of law enforcement.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That AFSCME International goes on record in support of H.R. 384 provided that it is amended so as to authorize the establishment of a law enforcement advisory council consisting of law enforcement representatives, including representatives of rank-and-file organizations, which would oversee the operation of the program.

SUBMITTED BY:

Gary Waterhouse, President and Delegate
Curtis Searle, Secretary
AFSCME Council 15
Connecticut