National Police Association Backs COPS Anti-Cartel Bill for Safer Communities

The National Police Association (NPA) has endorsed the COPS Anti-Organized Crime and Cartel Enforcement Act, a legislative measure aimed at providing vital resources to combat drug cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) that are exacerbating the opioid crisis in the United States. Introduced by Representative Pat Harrigan of North Carolina on February 13, 2026, the bill is currently under consideration by the House Judiciary Committee.

Local and state law enforcement agencies face significant challenges due to limited funding and staffing shortages. These constraints hinder their ability to effectively counteract the threats posed by organized crime. The proposed legislation, known as H.R. 6911, seeks to establish a federal grant program that allocates $200 million over four years. This funding will enable police departments to establish specialized units focused on anti-organized crime initiatives.

The financial support will be drawn from the Department of Justice’s Community Oriented Police Services (COPS) grant program. Notably, it will repurpose unused COVID-era subsidies, directing those funds toward enhancing law enforcement capabilities. The grants can be utilized for hiring additional officers, providing specialized training, and investing in essential protective gear and tactical equipment.

Addressing the Threat of Organized Crime

Communities facing high levels of cartel, gang, or TCO activity will be prioritized for funding. “State and local police departments are committed to combating organized criminal networks. They cannot accomplish this critical mission without sufficient resources and staffing,” stated Paula Fitzsimmons, Legislative Director of the National Police Association. She emphasized that the COPS Anti-Organized Crime and Cartel Enforcement Act would equip law enforcement agencies with the necessary personnel, training, and equipment to effectively address these challenges.

Fitzsimmons further noted that this initiative could lead to safer environments for all Americans, underscoring the urgency of the situation. The NPA expressed gratitude toward Rep. Harrigan for introducing a bill that empowers local law enforcement to create dedicated anti-organized crime units. She highlighted the pervasive influence of criminal networks that perpetuate drug-related violence and other serious crimes, calling for a national priority in combating these threats.

Call to Action for Legislative Support

The NPA is advocating for Congress to act swiftly on the proposed legislation, emphasizing the need for resources to confront the escalating dangers posed by criminal organizations. “Combating these networks must be a national priority,” Fitzsimmons stated. The organization encourages supporters of anti-crime legislation to join its Call to Action team, which provides updates on relevant bills and informs members about lawmakers to contact for support.

The National Police Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for law enforcement through education, legal support, and public awareness initiatives. For more information about their mission and ongoing efforts, interested parties can visit their website at NationalPolice.org.

As the opioid epidemic continues to affect lives across the nation, the passage of the COPS Anti-Organized Crime and Cartel Enforcement Act could represent a significant step toward equipping law enforcement with the necessary tools to combat organized crime effectively.