This week, Rep. Cindy Axne (IA-03) helped introduce the bipartisan Pathways to Policing Act, led by Rep. Dean Phillips (MN-03), to help recruit police officers in Iowa and in communities across the country.
The Pathways to Policing Act invests in programs to help state and local law enforcement agencies struggling to maintain adequate staffing levels. While the root cause of the nationwide officer shortage is multifaceted, bolstering the pipeline of service-oriented individuals is one way to ensure agencies have the resources they need to protect our communities and keep officers safe.
“I have heard from a number of local police departments in Iowa, as recently as just last week, who are facing officer shortages and are struggling to maintain adequate staffing levels,” said Rep. Axne. “I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing the Pathways to Policing Act to help recruit more officers, especially folks who are traditionally underrepresented in law enforcement. Communities and police departments are both better served by having a diverse force. I will always have the backs of our law enforcement officials who work hard to keep us safe.”
“Keeping people safe is a fundamental responsibility of government, but the increasing difficulty in recruiting and retaining principled officers is comprising the security of communities all around the country,” Rep. Dean Phillips said. “We must provide new tools for law enforcement agencies to attract the best and brightest Americans to serve the communities in which they live. Minnesota has shown the country how to do just that, and it’s time to assist agencies around the country recruit a new generation of principled police officers, and ensure safety, security, and justice for all.”
This legislation will provide $50 million to the Department of Justice (DOJ) to operate nationwide recruitment campaigns, and an additional $50 million to create and operate “Pathways to Policing” programs supported by local and statewide marketing and recruiting efforts. These campaigns will encourage members of communities traditionally underrepresented in the field of law enforcement or who have non-traditional educational or career backgrounds to seek employment in law enforcement.
The Pathways to Policing Act is inspired by a pioneering program used throughout Minnesota and will reduce barriers to service for individuals interested in seeking careers as full-time law enforcement officers.
Priority for the grants to states, local governments, and law enforcement agencies under this program will be given to applicants seeking to build a diverse police force that represents the communities they serve.
Original cosponsors include Reps. Angie Craig (MN-02), Peter Meijer (MI-03), Don Bacon (NE-02), Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA-03), Ed Case (HI-01), María Elvira Salazar (FL-27), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), and David Valadao (CA-21).
Earlier this year, Rep. Axne helped introduce the Invest to Protect Act to assist rural and small police departments with officer training, recruitment, equipment and other costs.
Original source can be found here.
