|
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03) joined Representatives Josh Harder (CA-09), Eric Swalwell (CA-14), and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) to introduce the bipartisan Retired Law Enforcement Officers Continuing Service Act. The bill aims to establish a new federal grant program that enables state and local law enforcement agencies to hire retired officers to perform critical civilian law enforcement tasks.
“Staffing shortages mean fewer patrols and slower response times across Iowa,” said Rep. Nunn. “This bipartisan bill is a commonsense way to strengthen public safety and back the blue by putting decades of experience from retired officers to work in civilian roles. It helps departments focus their active-duty officers on front-line duties without lowering standards or stretching teams too thin.”
Nationwide, police departments are grappling with staffing shortages, operating at just 91% of authorized levels. In Iowa, the strain is especially evident. The Iowa State Patrol is operating with a 40% shortfall, and many county sheriff’s departments are struggling to fill investigative and specialized roles.
The Retired Law Enforcement Officers Continuing Service Act would empower communities to address staffing shortages by tapping into the skills of thousands of retired officers ready and willing to serve in civilian roles like forensics, financial crimes, and IT analysis. The bill would also permit funds to be used for retired officers to train civilian personnel in responsibilities that support core law enforcement operations.
Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) lead the companion bill in the Senate, which passed out of the House Judiciary Committee unanimously in May.
Bill text can be found here.
###
|
