Bipartisan legislation recently reintroduced in the U.S. Senate would increase grant funding for small law enforcement agencies.
The majority of law enforcement agencies nationwide have less 175 full-time sworn officers.
The Invest to Protect Act would establish a grant program through the Community Oriented Policing Services program specifically for small law enforcement agencies. A total of $250 million would be allocated to help the agencies invest in training, mental health support, and recruitment and retention.
“Law enforcement in Iowa and across the nation are struggling with low recruitment and retention rates,” U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), who introduced the bill, said. “Our bipartisan bill would unlock access to critical resources, allowing local law enforcement to grow and strengthen their forces. As always, I’m proud to back the blue and will continue to protect and support our courageous officers.”
U.S. Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) co-introduced the bill. It was cosponsored by U.S. Sens. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Susan Collins (R-ME), Chris Coons (D-DE), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), and Todd Young (R-IN).
The bill was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. It has the endorsement of the Fraternal Order of Police and the National Association of Police Organizations.