Washington, D.C. — Today, Rep. Dean Phillips reintroduced the bipartisan Pathways to Policing Act to address the police shortage in Minnesota and across the nation. The bill is endorsed by the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association, the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association, and the Fraternal Order of Police. Original cosponsors of this legislation include Representatives Brad Finstad (R-MN), Angie Craig (D-MN), David Valadao (R-CA), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), Don Bacon (R-NE), Dan Kildee (D-MI), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA).

The Pathways to Policing Act invests in programs designed to support state and local law enforcement agencies struggling to maintain adequate staffing levels. While the root causes of the nationwide officer shortage are multifaceted, bolstering the pipeline of service-oriented individuals is a crucial strategy to ensure agencies have the resources they need to protect our communities and keep officers safe.

“Every American deserves to feel safe and protected in their own community. Unfortunately, the increasing difficulty in recruiting and retaining principled officers has threatened public safety across the country,” Rep. Phillips said. “We must provide new tools for law enforcement agencies to attract the best and brightest Americans to serve the communities in which they live. Minnesota has shown the country how to do just that, and it’s time to inspire and recruit the next generation of principled police officers who will ensure safety, security, and justice for all.”

“Across our country and here in Minnesota, local law enforcement has experienced historic staffing shortages which has strained the law enforcement agents who work tirelessly to protect and defend our communities.” said Rep. Finstad .“I’m proud to introduce the Pathways to Policing Act with my colleagues to enhance officer recruitment and bolster the police force in southern Minnesota.”  

“Keeping our communities safe is non-negotiable, and that’s why we’ve got to ensure we’re building a strong pipeline of new police officers – my bipartisan bill with Reps. Phillips and Finstad will help get it done,” said Rep. Craig. “Our bill will help law enforcement leaders recruit and retain the talent they need across the Second District, and I’ll be working with both parties to get it passed.

This legislation will provide $50 million to the Department of Justice (DOJ) to operate nationwide recruitment campaigns and an additional $50 million to create and operate “Pathways to Policing” programs supported by local and statewide marketing and recruiting efforts. These campaigns will encourage members of communities traditionally underrepresented in law enforcement, or those with non-traditional educational or career backgrounds to pursue careers in the field. 

Inspired by Minnesota’s “Pathways to Policing” programs, the Pathways to Policing Act aims to reduce the barriers for individuals pursuing careers as full-time law enforcement officers.

Priority for grants to states, local governments, and law enforcement agencies under this program will be given to applicants seeking to build a diverse police force that represents the communities they serve.

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

Brian Peters, Executive Director, Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association:
“The Pathways to Policing Act would address a critical issue for police departments across America – and Minnesota – who face a growing shortage of new officers and major retirements in the near future. This proposal is vitally important for community safety.”

Patrick Yoes, National President, Fraternal Order of Police
“Law enforcement agencies across the country are struggling to maintain a healthy police force and recruit the best and brightest candidates to serve in their communities. We believe that this legislation, which will develop and operate a nationwide marketing and recruitment campaign, will help State and local governments with their own recruitment efforts.  The “Pathways to Policing” model worked in Minnesota and we believe this success can be replicated at the national level.  We’d like to thank Representative Phillips and all the original cosponsors for their leadership.”