From September 28, 2022 post.
Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), ranking member of the Judiciary Committee, and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) this week met with Davenport Mayor Mike Matson, Police Chief Jeffery Bladel and other city and law enforcement officials from the Quad Cities to discuss public safety priorities. The meetings focused on how federal law enforcement resources can better support local efforts to drive down violent crime.
“I enjoyed having another chance to discuss federal law enforcement funding and resources for the Quad Cities area with city leaders. As we keep coordinating on the local and federal level to bring down violent crime rates and protect our communities, I’ll continue leveraging my senior position on the Judiciary Committee to ensure local law enforcement have the federal resources needed to keep dangerous criminals off our streets,” Grassley said.
“I appreciated the meaningful conversations I had with Mayor Matson and Chief Bladel on their efforts to protect and serve the Quad Cities,” Ernst said. “The City of Davenport and Davenport Police Department are important partners to collaborate with as we work to combat the rise in crime, fentanyl epidemic, and other public safety concerns. I look forward to our continued partnership with them as we work to keep Iowans safe.”
“As we work to lower violent crime in Davenport and the Quad Cities, I am excited by the collaboration between our local law enforcement agencies and City officials,” said Chief Bladel. “Working with our federal delegation to bring more resources to the Quad Cities will only enhance the efforts that we have undertaken together already.”
“I want to thank Senator Ernst and Senator Grassley for their continued support of law enforcement and to our region,” said Mayor Matson. “I look forward to continued collaboration with our Senators as we advocate for more federal resources in the Quad City metro area.”
In June, Grassley held a roundtable discussion with several law enforcement officials, including Scott County Sheriff Tim Lane and Davenport Police Chief Paul Sikorski, to discuss staffing needs and rising crime.
Recently, a number of Grassley-led bills supporting law enforcement passed the Senate with bipartisan support, including the Invest to Protect Act. This bipartisan bill seeks to provide $250 million over the next five years to small law enforcement agencies across the country. This funding will help these local departments invest in training, equipment, mental health support and recruitment and retention of officers.
Original source can be found here
