Yesterday I was honored to participate in the Major County Sheriffs’ Association winter meeting.  Having served as a federal prosecutor for twelve years, first as an Assistant United States Attorney and then as the United States Attorney for the Central District of California, I am well aware of the noble and extraordinary work that local law enforcement performs in our communities throughout the nation.

Meeting with Sheriffs from across the country yesterday, I had the opportunity to hear about the challenges they face as they work to keep their communities safe.  We discussed ways to continue to build on our important partnership and areas where the Department of Homeland Security can provide additional support and assistance in that endeavor.

DHS values its partnership with local law enforcement and over the past five years has taken significant steps to develop this relationship.  Through our Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, for example, we have trained approximately 23,000 state, local, tribal, and international law enforcement personnel each year.  We have provided personnel, training, technical assistance, technology, and grant funding to support more than 75 state and major urban area fusion centers.  It is our goal to help ensure that law enforcement officials around the country have the information and resources they need to keep their communities safe.

We are committed to strengthening our partnership with local law enforcement.  As the new Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security, I am immensely proud to serve the many men and women across the Department who work with local law enforcement on the front lines every day to keep our nation safe and secure.

I am grateful to the Major County Sheriffs’ Association for allowing me to participate in its winter meeting yesterday.  I was proud to be amongst so many of our local law enforcement leaders.  I look forward to our work together.