Working with local law enforcement to keep Maine safe

By U.S. Sen. Angus King
(I-Maine)

When I was sworn into the United States Senate, I pledged to uphold the principles of the Constitution and to serve the citizens of our great country to the best of my ability. I am reminded of this profound responsibility every day whether I’m in the Capitol or visiting with people from around Maine.

One of the most important functions of our government, as the Constitution outlines, is to protect its citizens. In fact, the Framers were clear in the country’s founding document that the government has a responsibility to “ensure domestic Tranquility and provide for the common defence.”

Those are responsibilities that I take very seriously.

Since my term began in 2013, I have devoted considerable time and effort to my work in the Armed Services and Intelligence Committees. As a Senator, a big part of my job is listening and asking questions — at hearings, in meetings, and briefings — and using information from defense and foreign affairs experts to help develop thoughtful and comprehensive policies that keep America safe. Because of the committees I serve on, I’m often speaking with our country’s senior ranking military, intelligence, and law enforcement officials, who offer valuable insight into ongoing national security efforts. That input is critically important, but so is hearing from the law enforcement on the ground in Maine.

That’s why last month I hosted two security roundtables — one in Portland and one in Bangor — to discuss coordination between local and federal law enforcement and how we can all work together to combat terrorism at home. We had a great turnout and productive discussions at both roundtables with officials from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency, and the Office of the U.S. Attorney for Maine, along with officials from across Maine — including Androscoggin, Aroostook, Cumberland, Franklin, Knox, Penobscot, Sagadahoc, Somerset, Washington and York Counties. It was clear that effective communication and coordination are key to supporting Maine law enforcement as they work to keep people safe.

To that end, I believe Congress can support our local law enforcement officials in many ways to help ensure the continued security and wellbeing of all Americans. Namely, Congress can and should support grant funding for local law enforcement counter-terrorism programs and for community partnerships that combat homegrown extremism. This critical support would provide additional emergency response equipment and counter-terrorism training programs so our officers are prepared to meet threats wherever and whenever they might occur. If we work together, we can further the dialogue between federal and local law enforcement and between the private and public sectors — which will make us safer in the long run.

Maine’s law enforcement officials and first responders embody the characteristics that make our state so special. They are hard-working, humble and brave. With conflict and instability in other parts of the world, we must work together to protect our families and communities here at home. Those of us in Congress must continue to support and listen to our local law enforcement as we make a collective push for a safer and more secure America.