Iowa has almost 400 different law enforcement agencies — most of them small departments serving tight-knit communities where officers know the people they’re protecting.
The problem: Iowa’s departments are already stretched thin. In many communities, fewer than 25 officers are responsible for covering an entire town or county — forcing officers to work nights and extra shifts to keep up and cover the gap.Â
At the same time, the federal program designed to help — the COPS program — hasn’t been updated since 2009, even as costs rise and staffing shortages worsen.Â
That’s why we took action.
We cut taxes on overtime pay, so the officers pulling extra shifts to protect and serve Iowa communities keep more of their paycheck where it belongs: in their pockets.
It’s also why we’re leading two bipartisan bills to strengthen and modernize the COPS program:Â
✅ Invest to Protect Act would invest $250 million to improve training, recruitment, and officer safety in small and rural departments.
✅ More Funding for COPS Act would double program funding and ensure resources are directed to the communities that need them most.Â
Why it matters: Law enforcement officers have one of the toughest jobs in the world — and it gets even harder when small departments are understaffed. Response times get longer, shifts go uncovered, and the strain drives more officers to leave. Supporting recruitment, retention, and training isn’t just about backing the badge — it’s about keeping Iowa communities safe.
Bottom Line: Iowa’s law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day. I’ll keep backing them up with real support so they can do their job safely and effectively — and make sure Iowa communities aren’t left waiting when help is needed.