Two of the largest police unions in the nation denounced the pardons issued by the Trump and Biden administrations in the past month, asserting the orders undermine the rule of law.

In a joint statement Tuesday, the Fraternal Order of Police and the International Association of Chiefs of Police rebuked the pardons and commutations issued by President Trump and former President Joseph R. Biden as “attacks on society.”

“The IACP and FOP are deeply discouraged by the recent pardons and commutations granted by both the Biden and Trump administrations to individuals convicted of killing or assaulting law enforcement officers,” the joint statement reads. “The IACP and FOP firmly believe that those convicted of such crimes should serve their full sentences.”

The unions said the pardons erode respect for law enforcement, putting officers’ lives in danger.

“When perpetrators of crimes, especially serious crimes, are not held fully accountable, it sends a dangerous message that the consequences for attacking law enforcement are not severe, potentially emboldening others to commit similar acts of violence,” the unions added.

The unions called on policymakers, judges and local authorities to uphold the law by enforcing full sentences, especially for those convicted of assaulting police officers.

“This approach reaffirms our commitment to the rule of law, public safety and the protection of those who risk their lives for our communities,” the unions said.

The statement comes in the wake of Mr. Trump’s decision to pardon hundreds of defendants charged in the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot. The executive order issued a “full, complete and unconditional pardon” to over 1,500 defendants who were convicted of crimes ranging from trespassing to assault on a police officer.

Over the past month, Mr. Biden commuted the sentences of 37 death row inmates, several members of his family, members of the Jan. 6 committee, Dr. Anthony Fauci and former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, retired Army Gen. Mark Milley.

• Vaughn Cockayne can be reached at vcockayne@washingtontimes.com.