Congresswomen Tenney Hosts Law Enforcement Roundtable in the North Country

Cleveland, NY – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today hosted a roundtable discussion in Watertown, New York, to provide a forum for local law enforcement leaders to discuss the issues impacting law enforcement officers and problems facing the community.

Tenney was joined at the event by Assemblyman Scott Gray, Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush, Jefferson County Legislative Chair Bill Johnson, Watertown Mayor Sarah Compo, and representatives from the office of Senator Mark Walczyk. Law enforcement leaders that participated in the event were New York State Tropper Robert Simpson, Customs and Border Patrol Patrolman in Charge Andrew Reagan, Watertown Chief Charles P. “Chip” Donoghue, New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association (NYSCOBA) Vice President Bryan Hluska and NYSCOBA Associate Jason Combs. 

According to the Major Cities Chiefs Association’s 2022 crime report for urban areas across the country, Homicides have been up 13% since 2020, while the National Fraternal Order of Police reported that in 2022, 331 police officers were shot. 

“Thank you to all the public servants who attended today’s roundtable event and participated in this robust discussion on how we can combat the growing crime crisis in our nation and support brave law enforcement officers,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “These public servants intervene daily in dangerous and life-threatening situations, working to keep our community safe. I will continue working to ensure law enforcement officers have the legal protections and resources they need to do their jobs safely and effectively.”

"I want to thank Congresswoman Claudia Tenney for her leadership in convening a Roundtable to address law enforcement needs in our communities," said Assemblyman Gray. "The discussions on effective policies, grants, and community relations are crucial for public safety, a top priority. Insights will be taken to Washington, D.C., and Albany to enhance our community's well-being."

“Public Safety is a primary concern for myself and my constituents in my district which spans 4 counties," said Assemblyman Blankenbush. "You cannot have public safety without supporting the selfless and dedicated public servants who are our law enforcement.“

"It's never been more important to support our law enforcement officials, especially after Albany continues to advance policy that makes it more difficult for officers to do their job," said a spokesperson for the Office of Senator Mark Walczyk. "Senator Mark Walczyk has a proven record of opposing legislation, like 'Bail Reform' and the HALT and Clean Slate Acts, that do nothing more than compromise public safety and put officers in harm's way. Many thanks to Congresswoman Tenney for holding this roundtable discussion and getting feedback directly from officers on how dangerous these policies really are."

View Tenney’s comprehensive Law Enforcement plan, which underscores her legislative work to support our law enforcement officers, here. 

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