ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The International Association of Chiefs of Police released a statement on Saturday asking the White House to use its authority to bring together, as soon as “practicable,” local, state and federal law enforcement leaders. The statement requests “policy level discussions aimed at identifying a constructive path forward.”
The statement doesn’t mention any specific incidents or locations, but does reference “the ongoing challenges affecting public safety, law enforcement professionals, and the communities they serve.”
The full IACP statement:
The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) is concerned by the ongoing challenges affecting public safety, law enforcement professionals, and the communities they serve. Periods of heightened tension place significant strain on public safety systems and underscore the need for stability, professionalism, and respect for constitutional principles.
The IACP emphasizes that effective public safety depends on comprehensive training, investigative integrity, adherence to the rule of law, and strong coordination among federal, state, and local partners. In times of uncertainty, officials at all levels play a critical role in de-escalating tensions by using measured, responsible rhetoric that reinforces lawful processes and public trust rather than deepening division.
The IACP urges leaders and stakeholders to support calm, lawful engagement and policies grounded in proven practice that strengthen accountability while preserving the capacity of law enforcement agencies to coordinate effectively and protect communities.
The IACP reaffirms its commitment to the constitutional protections that safeguard individuals from unlawful or unreasonable searches and seizures, recognizing that public trust and effective policing depend on faithful adherence to these fundamental rights. At the same time, the IACP underscores that officer safety is inseparable from community safety and must remain a fundamental priority in all public safety decisions.
For these reasons, the IACP calls on the White House to use its convening authority, as soon as practicable, to bring together thoughtful federal, state and local law enforcement leaders for policy-level discussions aimed at identifying a constructive path forward.
The IACP statement was issued on the same day federal law enforcement officers shot and killed Alex Pretti, 37, in Minneapolis.