Indianapolis – May 9, 2025. Retail crime syndicates are a threat to public safety, the economy, and to the quality of life for communities across the country. These sophisticated, multinational criminal networks employ individuals to steal large amounts of merchandise from retail stores, warehouses, and trucks en route, then resell these goods to both online and brick-and-mortar resellers. Retail syndicates perpetuate fraud and cause legitimate businesses to lose money, raise their prices, and close stores. They impact communities, especially those that depend on retail jobs and the essential items these stores provide. Innocent civilians are placed in danger as these crimes are being committed. Meanwhile, these syndicates use their ill-gotten profits to fund terrorism, as well as drug and human trafficking operations. They have grown in recent years, emboldened by local district attorneys who refuse to prosecute theft.
Thankfully, members of Congress have introduced the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act (S. 1404 / H.R. 2853), a federal bill that would better equip law enforcement agencies with the resources they need to fight these egregious crimes. It was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Rep. David Joyce (OH-14) and in the U.S. Senate by Sen. Chuck Grassley (IA). This bipartisan bill, endorsed by the National Police Association (NPA), is currently being considered by the Judiciary Committee. The text for the Senate bill is here, and the House bill is here.
This legislation would lead to the creation of the Organized Retail and Supply Chain Crime Coordination Center, to be housed within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This new Center would allow federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, as well as private sector partners, to coordinate enforcement activities via a central sharing system.
“Organized retail crime is a serious threat to consumers, our economy, and to the safety of innocent civilians. These syndicates are growing, in large part, because district attorneys have failed to treat retail crimes with the seriousness they merit. Compounding this are retailers who believe it’s futile to call the police,” said Paula Fitzsimmons, Legislative Director, National Police Association. “Thankfully, Rep. Joyce had the good sense to introduce legislation that would allow law enforcement agencies at all levels to strategically fight these heinous crimes.”
The NPA extends its gratitude to Sen. Grassley and Rep. Joyce for introducing the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act, a federal bill that would allow the private sector and law enforcement partners at all levels to work in tandem to fight these crime syndicates. The government’s priority is to provide for the safety and welfare of its citizens, and this bill goes a long way in accomplishing this.
About the National Police Association: The National Police Association (NPA) is a nonprofit organization supporting law enforcement through advocacy, education, and law. For more information, visit NationalPolice.org.
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