Efforts to help local police departments recruit more officers may be getting a boost from the federal government.
3rd District Congresswoman Kelly Morrison (D) is backing the Pathways to Policing Act.
It would set aside $50 million for competitive grants that would cover police recruiting and retention programs.
"Well, it's a start," Rep. Morrison says. "It's better than $0 right? And so it's $50 million for the advertising campaign, the marketing campaign, and then $50 million to support the candidates in different ways."
One way is to help pay for college courses and to cover salaries while the candidate is receiving that training.
Bloomington Police Chief Booker Hodges says these programs work - and his department is the proof.
"About 1/6 of my department is Pathways candidates, so we've hired between 18 and 20 pathways candidates in the City of Bloomington," Hodges adds. "And if it was not for this program, we would be having the same staffing issues as other people."
Morrison says she expects support for the act from both sides of the aisle, noting that the safety of the public should not be a partisan issue. That's already true in Minnesota where 1st Congressional Rep. Brad Finstad (R) is also behind the proposed act. Finstad was not at the press conference on Monday, but has commented on the proposed legislation.
“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.”
Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna Witt and Plymouth Police Chief Erik Fadden also joined Monday's announcement.