Today, Senator Paul Gazelka (R-East Gull Lake) joined other Republicans to roll out a $65 million C.O.P.S. Program, which stands for “Creating Opportunities in Public Safety.” The six different bills help young people get their degree in law enforcement, provide opportunities for non-traditional entrants into policing, and fund a marketing campaign as well as continuing education to highlight the honorable profession and long-term benefits of a career in law enforcement. The proposals focus on recruitment to address the peace officer shortage affecting the entire state. 

“The rhetoric and negativity surrounding law enforcement went way too far in some Minnesota communities this past year,” Senator Paul Gazelka (R-East Gull Lake) said. “This demonization has crippled many departments’ ability to retain and recruit peace officers by discouraging competent and selfless people from entering a thankless position. To counteract that, we’re going to work re-fund the police and show qualified candidates just how badly we need their support.”

Across the nation, law enforcement positions are opening up faster than they can be replaced by retirement or resignation. In 2021 alone, The Star Tribune reported Minnesota saw 32 Police Chiefs retire. The Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Board Job board shows openings for licensed peace officers in at least 65 agencies. Minneapolis and St. Paul have nearly 300 open positions to fill as of last month. 

Police chiefs and public safety departments across the state are overstretched and burning out. Senator Gazelka’s bill provides $20 million towards bonuses of up to $10,000 for newly hired peace officers across Minnesota. The bonuses may only be awarded after an officer has served a year with the hiring agency and may only be used for newly licensed peace officers. 

For details on the additional provisions, follow the link here: https://www.mnsenaterepublicans.com/senate-gop-rolls-out-c-o-p-s-package-of-bills-aimed-to-recruit-people-into-law-enforcement-careers/