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Congressman Pat Ryan is advocating for a new bill aimed at enhancing police training and retention in the Hudson Valley. The Democrat from the 18th District introduced the "Invest to Protect Act," which seeks to allocate $250 million to support small and midsize police departments with fewer than 175 sworn officers. Ryan's proposal is designed to address the financial challenges faced by local police departments, ensuring they have the resources needed to protect their communities effectively.
According to Daily Freeman, the funding would be distributed through an application process, allowing departments to tailor the resources to their specific community needs. The bill emphasizes recruitment, retention, and officer training, including de-escalation techniques and mental health awareness.
The Invest to Protect Act has garnered bipartisan support, with endorsements from various law enforcement organizations, including the Fraternal Order of Police and the National Sheriffs’ Association. Local law enforcement leaders, such as Dutchess County Sheriff Kirk Imperati and New Paltz Police Chief Matthew Sutton, have expressed strong support for the bill, highlighting its potential to enhance community safety and officer well-being.
The legislation is co-led by several other lawmakers, including Rep. Josh Gottheimer, Rep. John Rutherford, and Rep. Steven Horsford, and is also backed by Senators Catherine Cortez Masto and Chuck Grassley. As the bill progresses, it aims to provide critical resources for police departments, ensuring they can meet the demands of modern law enforcement effectively.