FR 2021-01635

The executive order titled Protecting Law Enforcement Officers, Judges, Prosecutors, and Their Families outlines a set of measures aiming to enhance the safety of public officials who are at risk because of their professional duties. This directive issues mandates for federal departments and agencies to ensure that law enforcement officers face fewer hurdles when carrying firearms and proposes specific provisions for federal prosecutors who might be in danger. It also addresses the necessity of protecting the privacy of these officials by limiting public access to their personal information. Furthermore, it stresses the need for legislation to provide additional protections and reinforces penalties for crimes committed against them or their families.

Significant Issues and Concerns

There are several notable issues associated with the executive order:

• Security Risks with Firearms: The facilitation of concealed carry permits for federal prosecutors, as proposed, may introduce potential security risks if not managed effectively. Implementing this policy could also incur new costs related to necessary training and adjustments to existing regulations.

• Lack of Clarity and Oversight: The order calls for quick action but lacks specific guidelines or metrics for measuring success. This could lead to issues of mismanagement or oversight failures within the implementing agencies.

• Coordination Challenges: The removal of personally identifiable information from public sources presents coordination challenges. The order does not clearly outline how this will be managed with state and local governments, potentially leading to inconsistent applications and increased administrative costs.

• Budgetary Concerns: Provisions for increased penalties and added budget appropriations for new personnel and training come without detailed impact assessments, which may result in unforeseen budget overruns.

• Legal Complexities: The introduction of legislation allowing officials to carry firearms regardless of state and local laws could face legal challenges. The complexity of standardizing such procedures across different jurisdictions poses another significant hurdle.

Broader Public Impact

Broadly speaking, the measures outlined in the executive order may affect public perceptions of safety and trust in the judicial and law enforcement systems. While enhancing protections for public officials aims to bolster their ability to serve without fear, there may be concerns about increased firearms presence and the implications for public safety.

Impact on Stakeholders

• Public Officials and Families: For judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement officers, as well as their families, this order may provide a sense of improved security and reassurance knowing that their safety is prioritized. However, the practical effects will largely depend on the successful implementation and coordination of the proposed measures.

• Federal and Local Agencies: Agencies will face the challenge of quickly adapting to new mandates, which may require organizational changes and additional resources for implementation. State and local agencies may also need to interact with federal proposals, creating variable impacts across regions.

• General Public: For the general public, there could be mixed reactions. Some may view the order as a necessary step to protect those who uphold the law, while others might see the expansion of concealed carry permissions and increased legal complexities as contentious issues with broader societal implications.

In summary, the executive order aims to create a safer environment for key government figures and their families, featured alongside potential challenges in terms of security, coordination, and fiscal management. The implications of these aims, both positive and negative, will depend largely on the details and management of their execution.