FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Nikki Cannon
October 1, 2015
(202) 293-1550
FLEOA RESPONDS TO SENTENCING REFORM AND
CORRECTIONS ACT OF 2015
(Washington,DC)– Today, the National President of the Federal Law
Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA), Jon Adler, released the following
statement in response to the Senate's introduction of the Sentencing
Reform and Corrections
Act of 2015:
"On behalf of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, I respect
the bipartisan effort and the compromises reached
in this bill but I
remain
concerned that the bill underestimates the impact of drugs
and violence on victims by playing with the definition of what is considered a "serious” offense. However, we do recognize the
need to compromise on issues,
and we respect both parties for working towards a sensible solution to the underlying problems. While this bill does not embrace the entire position put forth by FLEOA, it is a far more reasonable option than the fatally flawed
SAFE Justice Act in the House.”
Concerning the Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act of 2015, we
appreciate efforts to
ensure violent offenders remain incarcerated for an appropriate period. We do not oppose provisions that call for constructive prison programs that may lead to a sentence reduction for certain prisoners with non-violent pasts. However, we do not consider any drug dealer as
non-violent because of the poison that they peddle
indiscriminately to others. Because the poison that they deal kills people every day, all drug dealers are committing "serious” crimes whether they are armed, physically violent or
not.”
Decreasing mandatory minimum sentences for drug dealers are an incentive for
them to continue their peddling of death,given the potential earnings. Minimum wage jobs will not successfully lure away released
drug dealers from their trade if they know they are facing lower mandatory minimum
sentences. In addition, FLEOA maintains that the prison population problem
is not the result of fictitious low-level,non-violent drug offenders. FBI Director
James Comey stated before the House Judiciary Committee that,under his watch, no low-level drug offender has ever been arrested or prosecuted in the federal system. We support Director Comey's conclusion.”
The federal
criminal justice system works best when incentives for cooperation are used on the front end, to assist in the dismantling of drug trafficking
organizations. We should continue to trust the
judgment of our
prosecutors. Congress
should evaluate other options to an escalating prison population, such as the cost of remote monitoring and home confinement for non-violent offenders, and work-release programs. White collar
offenders should be scrubbing toilets
in homeless shelters instead of playing
ping pong in
country club facilities
on the taxpayer's expense."
FLEOA commends
Senators Sessions and Cornyn for their
unwavering support and leadership on this
issue during its consideration before the Judiciary Committee.”