WCPA Applaud Efforts that Will Make Wisconsin Communities Safer
Madison… The Wisconsin Chiefs of Police Association (WCPA) praises a host of legislative proposals introduced today to address Wisconsin’s crisis regarding the retention and recruitment of law enforcement officers. Law enforcement joined elected officials at press conferences throughout the state introducing proposals that call for bonuses to law enforcement, recruitment grants for law enforcement members that come from out-of-state, more training opportunities at tech colleges, funding for additional equipment, and money for regional marketing campaigns with the focus on law enforcement professionals in neighboring states.
“Action is needed now,” stated Patrick Mitchell, President of the Wisconsin Chiefs of Police Association. “Wisconsin currently has the lowest number of law enforcement officers in more than a decade. That puts our communities, our families and our businesses at risk.”
In Wisconsin retirements and resignations are contributing factors and that follows a national trend. Nationally, retirements are up 45% and resignations are up 18% (based a survey conducted over a 12-month period ending in April 2021). Police departments in every geographical region in Wisconsin report that they have been unable to fill vacancies over the past few years. Qualified applications for these crucial positions have also diminished.
“These are common sense bills that help our departments find qualified individuals to serve their communities. We hope each of these bills receive bipartisan support, and that they move quickly through the legislative process so the Governor can sign them into law this spring,” added Mitchell.
About the WCPA
The WCPA, which is comprised of over 700 law enforcement executives throughout Wisconsin, was created in 1907. For over 100 years, the WCPA and its members have continually strived to improve our profession.
The WCPA exists to assist law enforcement leaders in Wisconsin by providing educational opportunities, mentorship, advocating for appropriate legislation, and by providing a network in which Chiefs can learn from each other.
