To help law enforcement agencies fill staffing vacancies, U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) on March 23 introduced legislation that would provide a one-time emergency boost in federal funding for the hiring or rehiring of police officers and sheriffs’ deputies.
“The men and women in blue who dutifully protect and serve our communities need our support,” Sen. Blackburn said. “In Tennessee and across our nation, I have heard from several community sheriffs who are low on the manpower and resources needed to thoroughly do their jobs.”
Sen. Blackburn cosponsored the Filling Public Safety Vacancies Act, S. 972, with bill sponsor U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-GA) to make emergency supplemental appropriations for the hiring and rehiring of additional career law enforcement officers for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2023, according to the text of the bill.
“This bipartisan legislation with Sen. Ossoff takes a critical step toward strengthening, hiring, and bolstering our law enforcement community,” said Sen. Blackburn.
If enacted, the supplemental funds provided under S. 972 also would be used to establish a new vetting requirement that includes background checks and mental health evaluations for newly hired officers, states a bill summary provided by Sen. Blackburn’s office.
“Georgia communities face serious public safety staffing shortfalls,” said Sen. Ossoff. “My bipartisan bill will help communities hire and retain officers while ensuring newly hired officers undergo rigorous vetting and background checks unprecedented in federal law.”
The National Sheriffs’ Association, the National Association of Police Organizations, and the Major Cities Chiefs Association support the bill, which has been referred to the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee for consideration.