WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) and Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) recently introduced the Kelsey Smith Act, legislation to help law enforcement officers quickly access call location information to help locate victims at risk of death or serious physical harm. This legislation has received praise from law enforcement and telecommunication groups across the county. Please see the following statements in support of this legislation:

“On behalf of the Kansas State Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police we are grateful to Senator Moran for his support in sponsoring the Kelsey Smith Act,” said Mik Shanks, President of Kansas State Lodge FOP. “This act will allow for law enforcement officers to gain precious time in many cases where lives are in danger. We urge Congress to pass this important legislation.”

“The Kansas Association of Chiefs of Police are in support of S-273, the Kelsey Smith Act,” said Nelson Mosley, President of the Kansas Association of Chiefs of Police. “We urge the United States Congress to approve this act that provides law enforcement officers the ability to locate individuals facing death or great bodily harm in emergency situations.”

“It is critical to public safety that law enforcement have the tools to swiftly access and collect digital evidence when a life is on the line," said Patrick Yoes, National President of the Fraternal Order of Police. "We're grateful to be working with Senator Moran on this legislation and look forward to getting it to the Senate floor."

“CTIA supports Senators Moran, Blunt and Fischer for their reintroduction of the Kelsey Smith Act,” said Kelly Cole, CTIA Senior Vice President, Government Affairs. “We commend their continued leadership on this important issue and look forward to continuing to work with Congress on wireless policies that keep Americans safe and connected.”

“The Kansas Sheriffs Association fully supports Senator Moran’s efforts in introducing the Kelsey Smith Act,” said Sheriff Sandy Horton, retired, Executive Director of Kansas Sheriffs Association. “The ability to immediately access cell phone information for law enforcement will make a huge difference with their immediate response to emergencies and greatly impact the safety of victims of crime. If this act was in place when Kelsey Smith was abducted there would have been no doubt a much improved opportunity for a happier outcome.” 

“Cell phone providers are free to withhold information absent a state requirement,” said Joby Harrison, President of the Kansas Peace Officers Association. “Kelsey Smith’s abduction and murder in 2007 is an example of what can and will ultimately happen in the future. Enacting such a law will provide the nation’s law enforcement with the information they need without delay to hopefully prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future. We urge the U.S. Congress to approve this act to provide law enforcement officers the ability to locate individuals facing death or great bodily harm in emergency situations.”

“By cutting through all of the red tape, this law will allow law enforcement to locate those in danger more quickly and efficiently,” said John D. Merchant, Brown County Sheriff. “As you are aware, seconds can save lives and by amending this act, it will definitely aid victims and their families.”

# # #