Today, Senate Republicans rolled out a $65 million C.O.P.S. Program, which stands for “Creating Opportunities in Public Safety.” The proposals focus on recruitment to address the peace officer shortage affecting the entire state. The six different bills help young people get their degree in law enforcement, provide opportunities for nontraditional 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.

“It’s time to show our officers the respect they deserve,” Senator Mark Koran (R-North Branch) said. “Minnesota is currently hundreds of officers short, and we need to implement reforms that incentivize qualified candidates to join the profession now. We also have to look at its cause,  particularly the rhetoric coming from Twin Cities that law enforcement is bad. They aren’t. Our officers are honorable people who selflessly serve our communities by putting themselves in the line of fire. Let’s show them the respect they deserve.”

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, with the state currently lacking upwards of 800 officers.  

To view the complete list of provisions proposed by Senate Republicans, click the link below:

COPS – Creating Opportunities in Public Safety

To listen to the press conference, click here:
https://www.facebook.com/mnsrc/videos/891349158225012