Law Enforcement Support Package passes State Assembly
MADISON – Rep. Jessie Rodriguez (R-Oak Creek) joined her Assembly Republican colleagues today in supporting a package of bills aimed at supporting law enforcement. The legislative package allocates nearly $25 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to help recruit, train, and retain law enforcement officers across Wisconsin.
“Wisconsin is facing a shortage of law enforcement officers. Retirements and resignations are on the rise, while law enforcement graduation rates are trending downward,” said Rep. Rodriguez. “From talking to the police chiefs in my district, I know that recruiting new candidates has been a challenge recently. They are looking for people with integrity to protect and serve our community, and they are really struggling.”
Unfortunately, this shortage of law enforcement officers couldn’t come at a worse time. For the first time in four years, the number of violent crimes nationwide has increased by 5.2%, with Wisconsin outpacing the rest of the nation with a nearly 9% increase in violent crime. “With violent crime on the rise, we must begin taking action to support our law enforcement officers across Wisconsin now,” commented Rodriguez.
“Law enforcement officers put their own lives on the line in their pursuit of safety and justice for their communities. In my community, showing our support for those who honorably and selflessly serve and protect is a top priority,” said Rodriguez. “That’s why I supported a legislative package today that aims to support law enforcement and fund efforts that will incentivize people to go into the profession and aid local governments with their efforts to recruit candidates and retain officers,” concluded Rep. Rodriguez.
