AG Moody Supports Thin Blue Line Act and Continues to Fight for the Safety of Law Enforcement Officers

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla.-Attorney General Ashley Moody today released a statement of support for the Thin Blue Line Act. This legislation, just introduced by U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan and U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, provides enhanced penalties for convicted murderers who kill or attempt to kill a public-safety officer. The Thin Blue Line Act will classify these attempts on first responders' lives as aggravating factors under the federal death penalty statute.

Attorney General Ashley Moody said, "Our law enforcement officers risk their lives to keep us safe. They pursue armed fugitives and confront dangerous criminals. We need to send a clear message that we have their backs by passing the Thin Blue Line Act. I commend Congressman Buchanan and Senator Cruz for sponsoring this important pro-law enforcement legislation."

The act will strengthen the penalties for those who kill or attempt to kill first responders in the line of duty. The Thin Blue Line Act would classify the murder or attempted murder of a first responder as an aggravating factor under the federal death penalty statute. Aggravating factors are elements of a case that merit a more severe penalty for the defendant.

As the wife of a law enforcement officer, supporting law enforcement has been one of Attorney General Moody's top priorities since taking office in 2019. Last week, Police1 recognized Attorney General Moody as one of the "Got Your Six" National Champions of Law Enforcement. This award recognizes those who have made exceptional contributions in backing the blue across the country.

Some of Attorney General Moody's other notable actions in supporting law enforcement include the following:

• In 2019, Attorney General Moody launched the Back the Blue campaign to highlight law enforcement officers, citizens and organizations taking extraordinary steps to forge positive relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
• Since taking office, Attorney General Moody has hosted several strategic events focused on mental health, supported legislation on how to respond to individuals with mental health challenges, recognized an officer who supported mental health awareness and more.
• In 2020, Attorney General Moody was appointed to President Donald Trump's Commission on Law Enforcement and the Administration of Justice. The commission explored modern issues affecting law enforcement that impact the ability to reduce crime.
• In 2020, Attorney General Moody announced a new statewide number, **TIPS, that anyone can call to anonymously report crime. Dialing **TIPS from any cellphone will automatically route the caller to the appropriate regional Crime Stoppers office.
• In 2021, Attorney General Moody started Be a Florida Hero, a recruitment initiative that encourages jobseekers or law enforcement officers in states outside of Florida to pursue a law enforcement career in the Sunshine State. Individuals who answer the call to be a Florida hero are eligible to receive signing bonuses, scholarship programs and out-of-state relocation support.
• In 2021, Attorney General Moody launched the Thin Line Tribute initiative to recognize front-line law enforcement officers for their bravery and unrelenting efforts.
• In 2022, Crime Stoppers USA adopted Florida's statewide crime reporting tip line, **TIPS, to be used nationwide.
• In 2023, Attorney General Moody, alongside Gov. Ron DeSantis, supported bail reform legislation to help keep dangerous criminals off the streets.
• In 2023, Attorney General Moody launched Helping Heroes, a program that provides free naloxone to law enforcement officers and other first responders on the front lines of the opioid crisis.
• In 2024, Attorney General Moody, alongside sheriffs and business leaders, released the Stronger Safer Cities Report - a roadmap for building and maintaining a safe, prosperous Florida. The research report was conducted by the Florida Sheriffs Association's Research Institute and the Florida Chamber of Commerce.
• In 2024, Attorney General Moody welcomed numerous new law enforcement officers who moved from other states and answered the call to become a Florida hero through the new Sunshine Salute Series.
• In 2024, Attorney General Moody worked with state lawmakers to secure funding for the Applied Mental Health Certificate for Law Enforcement program.
• In 2024, Attorney General Moody worked with state legislative leaders to expand the First Responder Hope Line statewide to help first responders struggling with mental health challenges.

To read more about the Thin Blue Line Act, click here.

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