WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Peter Meijer (R-MI), John Rutherford (R-FL), and Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) today introduced the bipartisan Invest to Protect Act of 2022 to make critical, targeted investments in local police departments and ensure that police officers in smaller communities across the country have the resources and training they need to keep themselves and their communities safe.
“Local law enforcement agencies play an essential role in our communities, and it is critical that they, regardless of size, have the support and resources they need to do their jobs,” said Rep. Meijer. “Targeting funds to smaller departments with fewer than 200 officers will help these agencies access needed trainings and equipment, assist with recruitment and retention, and provide mental health services to these brave first responders. I am proud to help introduce this legislation to support local police and ensure communities of all sizes can effectively prioritize public safety.”
The Invest to Protect Act of 2022 will provide the following federal investments to small police departments:
- Investments in officer safety, de-escalation, and domestic violence response training, allowing officers to receive critical training that will make them more effective at their jobs, all without putting a strain on department budgets or reducing the number of officers on duty while others are at training by allowing investment to be used to offset overtime pay
- Investments for body worn cameras to provide resources for data storage and security
- Investments for small departments to recruit new officers, helping expand departments; this investment can also be used by departments to provide retention bonuses and aid for officers pursuing graduate degrees in public health, social work, and mental health
- Investments for departments to provide mental health resources for officers
This bipartisan legislation is supported by the National Fraternal Order of Police, National Association of Police Organizations, National Sheriffs’ Association, National Troopers Coalition, and others.
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