U.S. Rep. Peter Meijer (R-MI) on Jan. 20 proposed a bipartisan bill that would authorize a federal grant program for smaller police departments across the country to ensure they have needed resources and training to keep communities safe.
“I am proud to help introduce this legislation to support local police and ensure communities of all sizes can effectively prioritize public safety,” Rep. Meijer said.
Rep. Meijer is one of 39 original cosponsors of the Invest to Protect Act of 2022, H.R. 6448, which is sponsored by U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) and would direct the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services to carry out a grant program to provide assistance to police departments with fewer than 200 law enforcement officers, according to the text of the bill.
“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.”
If enacted, the bill would provide grant funds to small police departments for officer safety, de-escalation and domestic violence response training; for body-worn cameras to provide resources for data storage and security; to recruit new officers and provide retention bonuses and aid for officers pursuing graduate degrees in public health, social work, and mental health; and to provide mental health resources for officers, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Meijer’s office.
Among the members who joined Rep. Meijer as a cosponsor are U.S. Reps. Don Bacon (R-NE), Fred Upton (R-MI), David Valadao (R-CA), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), John Katko (R-NY), Dusty Johnson (R-SD), Dave Joyce (R-OH), Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA), and Bryan Steil (R-WI).
H.R. 6448 has been endorsed by the National Fraternal Order of Police, the National Association of Police Organizations, the National Sheriffs’ Association, and the National Troopers Coalition, among others.