On Wednesday, Senator Paul Gazelka (R-East Gull Lake) presented S.F. 3073 in front of the Senate’s Judiciary & Public Safety Committee. The legislation offers recruitment grants for law enforcement agencies to hire qualified peace officers.

 “When talking with law enforcement across the state, one of the biggest concerns I hear is their need for new qualified police officers,” Sen. Gazelka said. “As a result of failed leadership and a progressive demonization of our police, many departments’ have seen their ability to retain and recruit officers crippled. This creates an endless cycle that stretches departments further and drives more officers out. We need to stop that pattern immediately, 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 show 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.