Fischer, Coons Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Boost Law Enforcement Hiring and Retention

Press Release

U.S. Senators Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and Chris Coons (D-Del.) today 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.

Background

The Recruit and Retain Act has received national endorsements from: The National Association of Police Organizations, the National Sheriffs Association, the Major Cities Chiefs Association, Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, and the Fraternal Order of Police.

The Recruit and Retain Act has received state support from: The Omaha Police Department, Kearney Police Department, Grand Island Police Department, Scottsbluff Police Department, Nebraska Sheriffs Association, Nebraska Police Chiefs Association.

The bill contains five key initiatives:

Supporting Officer Onboarding

Expands Department of Justice's COPS grants to reduce the financial costs of hiring new law enforcement officers (ex: background checks, psychological evaluations, etc.).

Reducing Administrative Burdens

Permits up to 2% of grant funding to cover the administrative burden of implementing COPS grants. Many law enforcement agencies have noted this would offset the paperwork burden associated with COPS grants.

Authorizing New Pipeline Recruitment Program

Authorizes the Pipeline Partnership Program within COPS to encourage collaboration between agencies and local elementary schools, post-secondary schools, and institutions of higher education for students interested in future careers in law enforcement. Qualifying partnership activities would include: dedicated programming for students, work-based learning opportunities, project-based learning, mentoring, community liaisons, career or jobs fairs, work site visits, job shadowing, and skills-based internships.

Providing Better Grant Guidance for Understaffed Agencies

Creates new guidance for COPS hiring grants to clarify the lack of consistent procedures for understaffed agencies. This will ensure more eligible police departments are able to access COPS grants.

Shining A Light on Recruitment and Retention Challenges

Directs a comprehensive study to illuminate recruitment and retention challenges law enforcement agencies face nationwide, and how these trends are impacting public safety. 

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