The National Fraternal Order of Police (hereinafter referred to as the “FOP”) hereby submits this Amicus Curiae Brief in response to an invitation from the Board of Directors of the Office of Compliance. Before the Board is an appeal regarding the appropriate framework to be utilized in analyzing reprisal and intimidation claims raised pursuant to Section 207(a) of the Congressional Accountability Act. 2 U.S.C. 1317(a). This Amicus Brief shall address issues 1 and 3 stated in the Notice and Invitation to File Amicus Curiae Briefs dated January 24, 2005.
I. INTRODUCTION:
The National Fraternal Order of Police – More than 318,000 Men and Women of Law Enforcement Urging Reversal of the Decision of the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals.
The National Fraternal Order of Police represents more than 318,000 law enforcement personnel at every level of crime prevention and investigation, nationwide and internationally.
The National Fraternal Order of Police was founded in 1915. What was originally contemplated as an organization for the “social welfare of all the police” has evolved into an active representative group working to protect and secure the laws and work of its law enforcement members. The work of the FOP’s law enforcement members has long been understood as a significant task:
The duties which the police officer owes to the state are of the most exacting nature. No one is compelled to choose the profession of a police officer, but having chosen it he is obliged to perform those duties, and to live up to the standards of its requirements. * * * The police office has chose a profession that he must hold at all peril. He is the outpost of civilization. He cannot depart from it until he is relieved. A great and honorable duty is his, to be greatly and honorably fulfilled.
