Maintaining Law and Order

"As a former U.S. Attorney, I know how important it is to do all we can to support our law enforcement community. I believe that local, state and federal law enforcement should work hand-in-hand to tackle crime at the source, prevent violence and make our communities safer in West Tennessee and across the country." – Congressman David Kustoff

Introducing the Combating Anti-Semitism Act of 2017:

• On March 27, 2017, I introduced a bipartisan bill that will increase the federal penalty for bomb threats and other credible threats of violence against churches, community religious centers and all places of worship and ensure these acts can be prosecuted as a hate crime.
  • The rise in threats at religious community centers is deeply disturbing and makes it clear that existing federal laws do not suitably deter these acts of hate. Religious tolerance is the bedrock on which our great nation was founded. We must defend the individual liberties of our neighbors of all faiths and protect places of worship, and I am proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation that addresses the issue head on.
  • In 2017 alone, more than 100 bomb threats and other threats of violence have been made against Jewish Community Centers (JCCs), churches and other places of worship across the United states. In addition to the fear and terror inflicted upon these institutions after a threat, there are tangible ramifications for the centers. Many religious institutions are forced to temporarily close their doors as a result of these threats, and families who rely on the center's services, such as Hebrew school and early-childhood education programs, have been forced to choose between their safety and their faith community.

• This bipartisan legislation would amend the Church Arson Prevention Act (18 U.S.C. § 247) to ensure that individuals who make bomb threats and other credible threats of violence against community religious centers –based on the religious nature of that center –can be prosecuted for committing a hate crime.
  • In addition, individuals who make credible threats against religious institutions are sheltered by the current law, which limits the consequences they can face to misdemeanor charges. Under the Combating Anti-Semitism Act of 2017, new language would be added to 18 U.S.C. § 247 that would create a penalty of up to 5 years of imprisonment if any violation of the statute results in the damage or destruction of property.

Supporting the Department of Justice's National Public Safety Partnership:

• On June 20, 2017, the Department of Justice's (DOJ) announced that Memphis and Jackson, Tennessee will be among 12 cities joining the Department's National Public Safety Partnership (PSP).
• With the Department of Justice's valuable resources and strong support, our dedicated law enforcement in West Tennessee can implement advanced strategies to track crime patterns and enforce the laws that are already on the books.