U.S. Senators Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and Chris Coons (D-Del.) on Thursday introduced the Recruit and Retain Act to help law enforcement agencies grappling with recruitment issues.
The legislation would primarily boost recruitment opportunities by significantly expanding the Department of Justice’s Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) grants. This would help many agencies across the country that are both understaffed and struggling to attract new applicants. Additionally, the bill would create a new program to encourage partnerships between schools and police departments to foster a stronger local pipeline for law enforcement careers.
“Due to a number of factors, including the demonization of police, many law enforcement agencies are facing massive recruitment and retention challenges. Communities across the country are paying the price because without a well-staffed workforce, it’s simply harder for police departments to carry out their mission effectively. This bill would fundamentally invest in our law enforcement officers and support their tireless work to keep communities safe,” said Senator Fischer.
“Police departments in Delaware and across the country are facing real hiring and recruiting challenges that make it harder for them to keep our communities safe. As Co-Chair of the Senate Law Enforcement Caucus, I’m proud to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to help these departments overcome those hiring issues and fill their ranks. The Recruit and Retain Act will provide resources to these understaffed agencies, help build trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve, and have a tangible impact on public safety. I’m looking forward to working with my colleagues to pass this bill and send it to the President’s desk,” said Senator Coons.
