Washington, D.C. - This week, Congresswoman Fischbach introduced the Law Enforcement Education Grant Program Act. Representatives Pete Stauber (MN-08), Don Bacon (NE-02), and Clay Higgins (LA-03) co-sponsored the legislation.
"Congress has an opportunity to support young people who are looking to make a livelihood serving their communities," said Congresswoman Fischbach (MN-07). "I am proud to introduce the Law Enforcement Education Grant Program Act to inspire the next generation and establish a targeted approach to specifically invest in well-trained and highly educated police officers."
“Recruitment for new law enforcement officers has been hampered by attacks on our law enforcement agencies in recent years, leading to less officers on the streets protecting our communities,” said Rep. Bacon (NE-02). “This program will help our agencies recruit top of the line candidates and provide them with a grant for their education if they serve in the profession for four years after graduation. By offering more opportunities for potential candidates, we can help our law enforcement agencies protect and serve their communities.”
Background: The Law Enforcement Education Grant Program Act would provide federal grants to students pursuing their first degree in law enforcement or a criminal justice-related field. As a requirement of receiving the grant, the applicant must commit to serving as a full-time law enforcement officer for four years within an eight-year period of completing their studies. If an applicant fails to complete their service requirements, the grant will be converted into a loan and the applicant will be required to pay it back, with exemptions for officers who are injured in the line of duty who cannot serve out the 4-year requirement. The grant would be for up to $4,000 per year, not exceeding $16,000 total.
