CULPEPER STAR-EXPONENT

U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger, D-7th, a former federal law enforcement officer, addressed the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police at annual conference last week in Roanoke.

She touched on challenges she hears directly from the police chiefs, sheriffs, and law enforcement officers she serves — including cracking down on illicit fentanyl, recruiting and retaining qualified officers and connecting officers with the benefits they earned through their service.

Spanberger gave an update on her Preventing Illegal Weapons Trafficking Act to strengthen law enforcement efforts to prevent the importation and trafficking of “auto sears” or “Glock switches,” according to a release.

“As the daughter of a career law enforcement officer, I know how it feels to watch a loved one put on a badge and worry about whether or not they’ll make it home,” she said. “I’m always proud to work together with Republicans and Democrats to advocate on behalf of the law enforcement officers I represent. Virginians care deeply about their communities and their neighbors — and they deserve to feel safe. It is because of the service and sacrifices of our local law enforcement officers that they can have peace of mind.”