Kildee Introduces New Bill to Recruit More Law Enforcement Officers

WASHINGTON-Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-08) today introduced new bipartisan legislation-supported by Republicans and Democrats-to help recruit more police officers and improve public safety in mid-Michigan.

Congressman Kildee's bill provides $50 million a year for state and local law enforcement agencies to create "Pathways to Policing" programs, designed to encourage candidates from communities not widely represented in law enforcement-or with non-traditional educational and career backgrounds-to pursue careers in the field. The bill also provides $50 million a year for nationwide marketing and recruitment campaigns to encourage more people to begin careers in law enforcement.

Michigan law enforcement agencies have struggled to recruit new officers in recent years, with the state losing 4,500 law enforcement officers between 2001 and 2023-an almost 20% decline. Between 2020 and 2023 alone, Michigan lost 900 law enforcement officers.

"Local police departments help keep our communities safe, but too often they have trouble recruiting and retaining their officers," said Congressman Kildee. "My bill would ensure police departments have the resources they need to grow their forces and serve our communities. By investing in new recruitment programs, we can improve public safety and provide pathways to good-paying jobs for Michiganders."

Congressman Kildee introduced the bill alongside Rep. Dean Phillips (MN-03), Brad Finstad (MN-01), Angie Craig (MN-02), David Valadao (CA-02), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), Don Bacon (NE-02), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), and Jimmy Panetta (CA-20).

"Congressman Kildee hit another home run for the residents of the City of Saginaw. The Pathways to Policing Act would assist the Saginaw Police Department in the recruitment of underrepresented members of our local community to start a career in law enforcement. I would like to thank Congressman Kildee for introducing this bill and continuing to keep public safety a high priority in his work in the United States Congress," said Chief Robert Ruth, Saginaw Police Department.

"Thank you, Congressman Kildee, for your new bill to support Bay County law enforcement and put new police officers on the beat. The Pathways to Policing Act would give local law enforcement agencies across mid-Michigan the resources needed to recruit and retain new officers, and better serve the communities we protect," said Troy Cunningham, Bay County Sheriff.

"As a Sheriff, I fully support Congressman Kildee's Pathways to Policing Act. This legislation provides a critical bridge between our communities and the next generation of officers, creating a pathway for more diverse, community-oriented recruits. By offering funding for training and recruitment, this act will help ensure we have police forces that reflect the values and diversity of the communities they serve while promoting transparency and trust in law enforcement. It's exactly the kind of police evolution we need," Christopher R. Swanson, Genesee County Sheriff.

Congressman Kildee has long championed efforts to support law enforcement and improve public safety in mid-Michigan. He previously introduced the Invest to Protect Actto fund local police departments, recruit officers and help reduce crime. Kildee also secured over $6 million in new community project funding for mid-Michigan law enforcement in Fiscal Years 2022, 2023 and 2024.