Bipartisan Bill Would Create Grant Pilot Program for Small Law Enforcement Agency Training

Madison, WI - Today Representatives Bob Donovan and Clinton Anderson, along with Senators Jesse James and Brad Pfaff, introduced LRB-5222. The bill creates a pilot program providing grants to small law enforcement agencies that would cover labor costs and unreimbursed training costs associated with sending officers to the academy and 6 months of on the job training. This bipartisan effort would address staffing shortages affecting small police departments statewide. This bill has the backing of the Wisconsin Chiefs of Police Association, Wisconsin Professional Police Association, Badger State Sheriffs’ Association, and the Wisconsin Sheriffs and Deputy Sheriffs Association. 

 “One of the first things I heard when running for Assembly was how smaller and rural law enforcement agencies struggle to maintain proper staffing levels. By creating this pilot program, small law enforcement agencies will be able to afford officers’ salaries while attending the academy and during on the job training. This bipartisan bill is a great step in ensuring smaller departments can recruit, train, and retain officers.” said Rep. Anderson. 

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