"One of the problems with even suggesting that purpose of a Federal law is for law enforcement officers to assist in protecting the public outside their jurisdictions is that it may give them encouragement or even a sense of obligation to do so"

This quote by Bobby Scott is describing the prospective ramifications of recommending that the purpose of a Federal law is for law enforcement officers to help in securing the public outside their jurisdictions. Scott is warning that this idea may give officers encouragement and even a sense of obligation to do so, which could lead to prospective issues. This might suggest that officers may feel obligated to intervene in situations that are beyond their jurisdiction, which might lead to confusion and prospective legal concerns. In addition, officers might feel that they are anticipated to take on more duty than they are lawfully enabled to, which might lead to them violating their authority. Eventually, Scott is warning against suggesting that the function of a Federal law is for police officers to help in safeguarding the public outside their jurisdictions.