Joe Biden

ICYMI: Hispanic Police Group Endorses Steve Dettelbach to Lead ATF, Joining Growing Chorus of Law Enforcement Support

May 17, 2022

A leading Hispanic police group released a letter today endorsing Biden's ATF nominee Steve Dettelbach – a career prosecutor who was confirmed unanimously last time he was before the Senate. Citing his experience fighting violent crime and his dedication, the Hispanic American Police Command Officers Association (HAPCOA) called on Senators Dick Durbin, Chuck Grassley and others to confirm Dettelbach as quickly as possible.

The HAPCOA joins a growing chorus of leaders calling for Dettelbach's confirmation, including more than 100 bipartisan mayors, 140 former federal prosecutors appointed by both parties, the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, Major County Sheriffs of America, and the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

The Hill: Hispanic police group endorses ATF nominee
[Lexi Lonas, 5/17/22]

The Hispanic American Police Command Officers Association (HAPCOA) endorsed Steve Dettelbach, President Biden's nominee for director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), in a letter to Congress on May 13.

The group sent a letter, first obtained and reported by Politico, to the Senate Judiciary Committee saying Dettelbach is "uniquely qualified to lead ATF as he is experienced and committed to the mission of the Bureau."

"Mr. Dettelbach has significant professional experience as a US Attorney and personal dedication to making this country a better, and safer place for all. This indeed makes him an excellent candidate to serve as ATF's eighth permanent director," the group wrote to committee Chairman Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and ranking member Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa).

"We urge you to confirm Steve Dettelbach to be the next Director of ATF as soon as possible."

Biden nominated Dettelbach to the post in April after pulling his previous nominee, David Chipman, in September due to lack of support in the Senate. Detttelbach formerly served as the federal attorney for the Northern District of Ohio and worked as a prosecutor in the Justice Department for more than two decades under both Democratic and Republican administrations.

HAPCOA pointed to several other endorsements Dettelbach has received, saying he "is a strong supporter of diversity and inclusion which is important to not only HAPCOA, but to the men and women of ATF."

Dettelbach's backers for the role also include more than 100 Republican, Democratic and Independent mayors.

Since 2013, the ATF director position has required approval from the Senate. Only one person has been confirmed to the post in that time.

Joseph R. Biden, ICYMI: Hispanic Police Group Endorses Steve Dettelbach to Lead ATF, Joining Growing Chorus of Law Enforcement Support Online by Gerhard Peters and John T. Woolley, The American Presidency Project https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/node/355971

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