Hittin' the Road with the Law Enforcement Coalition
It's been awhile since I've had the opportunity to have in person meetings with law enforcement officials, and boy have I missed it.
During National Crime Victims' Rights Week this year, I spent the week out on the open road, meeting with the dedicated men and women who protect Iowa crime victims and serve their communities. Oftentimes, we hear from victim survivors that it is the law enforcement in their cases who became their voice - they helped them navigate the unfamiliar criminal justice system, they were always there to lend a hand or with a protective hug. It should come as no surprise to you that the Marsy's Law for Iowa Law Enforcement Coalition is one of our most expansive and important groups to our effort.
Out on the road, I had the chance to meet with Shelby County Sheriff Neil Gross. We had a great conversation and Sheriff Gross endorsed Marsy's Law for Iowa, during National Crime Victims' Rights Week - how cool is that?
In Eastern Iowa, I had the pleasure of meeting with Sgt. Laura Faircloth with the Cedar Rapids Police Department. Sgt. Faircloth heads up the community outreach program and she spent time telling me about all the various ways they work with victims of crime. It was truly impressive.
While I was in Eastern Iowa, I also met with Eldridge Police Chief Dave Kopatich and Andrew Lellig, Eldridge Police Corporal. We had a great discussion about why constitutional rights for victims are so necessary. They endorsed Marsy's Law for Iowa that day too.
Overall, the trip consisted of meetings everywhere from Marshalltown, Iowa City, Sioux City, Harlan and many places in between - checking in with longtime law enforcement supporters, meeting with new contacts, gaining even more endorsements and supporters and spreading the message that victims deserve Marsy's Law for Iowa.
Where should I go next? Do you know of a law enforcement official who might be interested in learning more about joining our coalition? Are you a victim that has a great story about how an officer helped in your situation - we'd love to hear it. Feel free to email me at [email protected]
Leah
Marsy's Law for Iowa Law Enforcement Coordinator