U.S. Reps Kelly Morrison and Brad Finstad Announce Legislation to Strengthen Local Law Enforcement

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Kelly Morrison (MN-03) and U.S. Representative Brad Finstad (MN-01) introduced the bipartisan Pathways to Policing Act, which provides state and local police departments with resources they need to recruit and train new police officers. 

Police departments across the country are facing recruitment challenges. On average, police agencies are operating at nearly a ten percent staffing deficit and 65% of police agencies across the country reported reduced services due to staffing shortages – and police officers agree that new pathways to law enforcement careers are needed to ensure that law enforcement can operate at full capacity.

The Pathways to Policing Act will authorize $50 million in annual funding over the next five years to state and local police departments to recruit and train new police officers – providing police departments with much-needed resources and ensuring that police departments have representative, well-trained and well-staffed police forces. 

This legislation will also provide $50 million in annual funding for the next five years for the Department of Justice to develop and implement a nationwide marketing and recruitment campaign for law enforcement officers, including those who have non-traditional educational or career backgrounds.

The Pathways to Policing Act is endorsed by the Minnesota Peace and Police Officer Association (MPPOA), the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association (MCPA), the Minnesota Fraternal Order of Police, the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), and the Major Cities Chiefs Association (MCCA).

“With many police departments facing staffing shortages, we need to make sure we’re creating more pathways to recruit new police officers in the Third District and across the state,” said Congresswoman Kelly Morrison. “This bill will provide state and local law enforcement with the tools they need to build strong, dedicated, and talented police forces to protect their communities.”

“Law enforcement agencies in Minnesota and across the nation are experiencing staffing shortages that jeopardize the safety and security of our communities,” said Congressman Brad Finstad. “As we celebrate National Police Week, I am proud to help reintroduce the Pathways to Policing Act, which will deliver critical resources to strengthen officer recruitment and help reduce obstacles that may discourage qualified candidates from pursuing a career in law enforcement.”

“Law Enforcement continues to face historic workforce challenges. New officer candidate numbers have plummeted in recent years resulting in dozens of police agencies in Minnesota permanently shutting down,” said Executive Director of the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association Jeff Potts. “U.S. Rep Kelly Morrison’s Pathways to Policing bill will help address this challenge. The MCPA fully supports Rep. Morrison's efforts to pass this legislation as quickly as possible to avoid additional police agencies from shutting down.”

"The Minnesota State Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police is proud to support the Pathways to Policing Act being introduced by Representatives Morrison and Finstad. Minnesota has seen the state impact a program like this can have, and we are excited to see legislation being proposed in expanding this important program,” said Minnesota Fraternal Order of Police Vice President Austin Ohren. “We appreciate our elected officials who support the men and women of Law Enforcement and who are looking for ways to ensure our communities are safe and have fully staffed law enforcement agencies. This legislation is a significant step forward in the recruitment of qualified candidates into the law enforcement profession." 

“The Pathways to Policing Act represents a critical investment in the future of law enforcement. By expanding recruitment efforts and removing financial barriers, this legislation helps ensure we attract a qualified and community-minded generation of officers,” said Deputy Director of the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association Dave Titus. “The Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association strongly supports this bill as a practical solution to the staffing crisis facing departments across the country."