WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Today, Rep. Dean Phillips (D-MN) announced endorsements of his Pathways to Policing Act from the national Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), the largest organization of law enforcement officers in the world, and the New Democrat Coalition (NDC), the largest caucus of Democrats in the House of Representatives.

This legislation is inspired by a pioneering program by the same name developed in Minnesota and will reduce barriers to service for individuals interested in seeking careers as full-time law enforcement officers. Priority for the 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.

“Keeping our communities safe – and I mean all of our communities – is a fundamental responsibility of government, but from our largest cities to our most remote towns, law enforcement agencies are struggling to recruit the next generation of principled police officers,” Phillips said in a speech on the House floor. “We must provide the tools and support for law enforcement agencies to attract and retain the best and brightest Americans to serve and protect the communities in which they live. Only then can we hope to ensure the safety and security of all Americans, no matter the color of the skin or the color of their politics.”

These endorsements join a growing list including the Major Cities Chiefs Association (MCCA) at the national level, every major police association in Minnesota, and the Star Tribune. The bill also has 16 cosponsors, with 9 Democrats and 7 Republicans.

The Pathways to Policing Act 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 the field of law enforcement or who have non-traditional educational or career backgrounds to seek employment in law enforcement.

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