Young Op-Ed: Hoosier Law Enforcement Deserves Our Support
The following op-ed by U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) was published on May 13, 2026.
By Todd Young
Most Hoosiers wake up every morning and see their children off to school or head to work without event. They live in safety because a select few of their fellow citizens willingly forfeit their own.
May 10–16 is National Police Week, and it is a useful reminder of what we owe our Indiana law enforcement officers and what more we can do for them.
Our police officers are the thin blue line between order and chaos. The men and women who wear the badge are the guardians of peace who willingly stand in the way of threats to their communities. Whether our cars break down or our homes are invaded, when trouble comes, our law enforcement officers are not far behind.
Too often we appreciate them only when we need them. And just as commonly, we overlook the grave danger they willingly face on our behalf.
The hero’s badge is a criminal’s target. The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC, which carries the names of 24,000 police officers killed in the line of duty, reminds us of this sobering reality.
Every year additional names are added to these rolls. Around 100 police officers die on the job annually, the majority as a result of violent and other serious crimes.
In 2024, 85,730 police officers were assaulted in the line of duty. Many of these incidents were ambush attacks, when criminals target police officers unexpectedly. According to the National Fraternal Order of Police, such incidents accounted for nearly 30 percent of officer shootings last year.
These terrible sacrifices are why, since 1962, Americans have honored law enforcement personnel during the second week of May. National Police Week is an occasion to renew our unwavering support for law enforcement officers.
It’s an opportunity to recognize and give thanks for their unseen acts of heroism, honor and remember those who have laid down their lives to protect others, and express our solemn appreciation to the loved ones of officers who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Remembrance is important. So is gratitude. But these alone are not enough. Our police officers defend us, and we, in turn, can deter and punish those who would do them harm.
In the Senate, I am supporting the Protect and Serve Act, introduced by Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.). This bill would create a new category of crime for those who attack federal, state, or local law enforcement officers. It would give federal prosecutors more tools to go after those who deliberately target law enforcement officers by making it a federal crime to knowingly cause, or attempt to cause, bodily injury to a law enforcement officer.
Under the bill, offenders would be subject to imprisonment for up to 10 years. An offender could receive a life sentence if a death results from the offense, or the offense includes kidnapping, attempted kidnapping, or attempted murder.
This legislation is a common-sense step at the federal level to better protect those who protect us, and Congress should pass it into law.
Whether they serve on the local, state, or federal level, our law enforcement officers are the best and the bravest. Laws mean little without men and women sworn to uphold them.
During National Police Week, let’s reflect on how much we owe them and show our support for the men and women wearing the badge across Indiana.