Greg Champagne and Jonathan Thompson

When the American people elected President Trump, they sent a clear message to Washington that it was time to restore law and order in this country.

Since taking office, the president has taken several important steps to make our communities safer. We were honored to visit the White House this month to let him know that law enforcement officers around the country are standing up and applauding his efforts.

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During our meeting with the president, we presented him with a letter of thanks for his actions in support of law enforcement, specifically on the issues of immigration and border security. Trump understands that we cannot reduce crime in the United States without also addressing illegal immigration.

But he did not stop there.

After the swearing-in of our nation's impressive new attorney general, Jeff Sessions, the president immediately signed three executive orders dedicated to standing behind those who risk their lives every day to protect our communities.

These orders are key first steps in the president fulfilling his promises to the American people about fighting crime, gangs and drugs; promoting law and order; supporting our dedicated men and women of law enforcement; and putting the safety and security of the American people first.

The first executive order directs the attorney general to develop a strategy for prosecuting people who commit violence against federal, state, tribal and local law enforcement. The second forms a task force to come up with specific recommendations for how the federal government can change existing laws to better prevent crime, improve public safety, and develop stronger working relationships with our state and local partners. The third tasks the attorney general with crafting a comprehensive approach to eliminating international organized crime, including drug cartels.

America's officers and deputies enthusiastically welcome these long overdue signs of support from Washington. We are especially eager to strengthen the lines of communication with our federal partners. It is imperative that we work together to develop a comprehensive, holistic strategy to protect the American people.

During his remarks to the Major Cities Chiefs Association winter conference the day after our meeting, Trump made a special point to speak directly to every member of the U.S. law enforcement community and let us know that we have a true friend in the White House. We sat at the table with him while he heard firsthand from sheriffs from across the country about our concerns and promised to address them. This president stands behind police.

Sheriffs look forward to working closely with the president and attorney general to protect the homeland and support law enforcement, especially as protests, such as those in Morton County, N.D., over the Dakota Access Pipeline, heat up again. The administration is helping officers defend the rule of law, fund and equip law enforcement with protective, surplus equipment and keep our parishes and counties safe and drug free.

Just a few months ago, we were begging and pleading for additional support from the federal government. With Trump in office, we finally have a true partner in our mission to best serve and protect our communities.

Greg Champagne is president of the National Sheriffs’ Association and sheriff of St. Charles Parish in Louisiana. Jonathan Thompson is CEO and executive director the National Sheriffs’ Association.