Dear Representatives Carbajal and Bacon,
I am writing on behalf of the members of the Fraternal Order of Police to advise you of our strong support for H.R. 8420, the “Filling Public Safety Vacancies Act.”
Policing staff shortages are a nationwide problem and law enforcement agencies are struggling to retain good veteran officers and find the best and brightest candidates to protect their communities. This legislation provides a needed one-time boost of $162 million for the hiring program administered by the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS). The additional funds can be used to hire or rehire law enforcement officers as well as pay for the required background checks and psychological examinations.
At a time when too many of our local police departments lack the officers needed to protect their communities, it is imperative that State and local law enforcement agencies have access to the resources they need to hire effective and fully vetted police officers to keep our streets, schools, and neighborhoods safe.
On behalf of the more than 373,000 members of the Fraternal Order of Police, I thank you both for your leadership on this issue. If I can be of any further assistance or provide additional information on this legislation, please do not hesitate to contact me or Executive Director Jim Pasco in our Washington, D.C. office.
Sincerely,
Patrick Yoes
National President