The U.S. House of Representatives on Sept. 22 advanced bipartisan legislation that seeks to fund local police departments and help reduce crime.
The Invest to Protect Act of 2022, H.R. 6448, was sponsored by U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) and has 86 cosponsors. It would establish a new grant program as a means of supporting officer recruitment, retention and personnel costs, and mental health resources for officers. The bill, if enacted, would make critical, targeted investments in small and midsize police departments with fewer than 125 sworn officers — which make up more than 96% of local U.S. police departments. In addition, the measure authorizes $60 million a year for 5 years for local police departments, according to a bill summary from Rep. Gottheimer’s office.
“One thing is clear: if you want to make something better, you don’t get there by cutting or defunding. You need to make smart, targeted investments. We must fund — not defund law enforcement,” Rep. Gottheimer said in remarks on the House floor.
Rep. Dan Kildee (D-MI), one of the cosponsors of the bill, said, “Police are an important pillar of our society, helping to keep our neighborhoods and families safe. I’m pleased to see this bipartisan legislation increasing funding for local law enforcement pass the U.S. House of Representatives.”
The funding allotment would also address the acquisition of body cameras and other equipment.
“Over the last few years, law enforcement officers have faced many challenges and threats to their well-being that have created a dangerous environment for those sworn to protect the public. These challenges have ranged from violence against officers, an increase in violent rhetoric against them, lagging technology, recruitment and retention issues, and mental health concerns. Smaller municipalities are experiencing increased strain on the men and women in blue,” said Fraternal Order of Police National President Patrick. “We believe that the “Invest to Protect Act” can help our nation’s smaller agencies and departments combat these issues that plague law enforcement officers in smaller municipalities.”