Houston Republic

WASHINGTON, DC – On May 15, Congressman Wesley Hunt (R-TX) and Congressman Glenn Ivey (D-MD), both serving on the House Judiciary Committee, introduced the Recruit and Retain Act.  During National Police Week, Congressman Hunt and Congressman Ivey are leading a bi-partisan effort to support the efforts of law enforcement agencies that are experiencing declines in officer recruitment.  

“Our brave law enforcement officers work tirelessly to keep our communities safe. They are the glue that binds the fabric of a civil society.  The men and women in blue put their lives on the line every day to protect us, and they deserve our utmost respect and gratitude for their unwavering commitment to public safety.  In recent years, law enforcement agencies have found recruiting new officers to be a major challenge. The Recruit and Retain Act addresses this challenge and provides real support to help law enforcement.  I’m honored to introduce this pro-police bill as my very first piece of legislation in the House of Representatives,” said Hunt. 

“Recruiting and retaining highly trained law enforcement professionals is of the utmost importance.  Our ability to attract and develop the best, brightest and most compassionate and dedicated men and women of differing backgrounds is vital to the health and well-being of our nation.  Keeping our residents safe and promoting better relations with our citizenry can only lead to safer streets and better policing.  I look forward to working with all who care about our country and a path forward for good law enforcement standards.  We must incentivize hiring and keeping the people who will do the job of safeguarding us from border to Broadway and everywhere in between,” said Ivey.  

This bill will increase the recruitment of new and qualified recruits by reducing application and recruiting costs associated with finding new talent. It creates a pipeline partnership program between law enforcement agencies and local educational institutions and creates new guidance for COPS Grants for understaffed law enforcement agencies. The bill also directs a comprehensive Government Accountability Office to study recruitment and retention trends and challenges for federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. 

The Recruit and Retain Act has been endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police, the National Association of Police Organizations, the National Sheriffs Association, Major County Sheriffs Association, Major Cities Sheriffs Association, the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, and R Street. 

The Recruit and Retain Act is a significant first step in assisting law enforcement with addressing their staffing needs during a time when they need it most.  

Original source can be found here.