Support for Small Police Departments: Training and Recruitment
This act establishes a grant program for small police departments (under 125 officers) to improve their operations. Funds can be used for training, mental health support for officers, and incentives for recruitment and retention. The goal is to enhance safety and improve police interactions with citizens.
Key points
Officer Training: Funds for de-escalation training, handling domestic violence situations, and interacting with individuals in crisis (e.g., those with substance use disorders, mental health needs, or experiencing homelessness).
Mental Health Support: Access to behavioral health services for officers, including PTSD treatment and peer support.
Recruitment and Retention: Ability to offer signing bonuses, retention bonuses for experienced officers, and stipends for graduate education in mental health or social work.
Streamlined Application Process: The Department of Justice will simplify the grant application process to make it quick and easy for small police units.
Accountability: Audits and public disclosure requirements for bonuses are in place to ensure proper use of funds.
2022-09-22
For
360
Against
64
Abstain
0
Full voting results
open_in_new
Expired
Additional Information
Print number: 117_HR_6448
Sponsor: Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5]
Process start date: 2022-01-20
Voting date: 2022-09-22
Meeting no: 2
Voting no: 451