Spanberger Addresses Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police’s Annual Conference, Discusses Challenges Facing Virginia Law Enforcement

VACP Earlier This Week Endorsed the Congresswoman’s Bipartisan Bill to Help Law Enforcement Combat the Proliferation of Illegal Auto Sears

ROANOKE, Va. — U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger — a former federal law enforcement officer — yesterday addressed the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police (VACP) at their annual conference in Roanoke, Virginia.

During her remarks, Spanberger touched on many of the challenges she hears about 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. Additionally, the Congresswoman provided an update on her Preventing Illegal Weapons Trafficking Act — which she introduced last year — to strengthen law enforcement efforts to prevent the importation and trafficking of “auto sears” or “Glock switches.” VACP endorsed this legislation earlier this week during their conference.

“As a former federal agent and 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. And in Congress, I’ve heard firsthand from Virginia’s police chiefs, sheriffs, and law enforcement officers about the challenges facing our neighbors in uniform — from contending with deadly drugs in our communities to training and retaining qualified officers to receiving the benefits they have earned,” said Spanberger. “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.”

BACKGROUND

The Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police (VACP), formed in 1926, is an incorporated 501(c)(3) non-profit trade association. Its more than 500 members are made up of active and retired federal, state, local, and private law enforcement and criminal justice agency executives, administrators, and managers. Members also include persons in law enforcement related businesses, support industries, or government agencies.

###