Rockland Reporter

Representatives Mike Lawler (NY-17) and Yadira Caraveo (CO-08) announced the introduction of H.R. 9180, the Educational and Career Opportunities for Public Safety (EdCOPS) Act. This bipartisan bill, co-sponsored by Congressman John James (MI-10), aims to address police staffing challenges by providing education benefits to police officers and their dependents.

Under the EdCOPS Act, a public safety officer who has served for eight years and commits to serving four more years for a single employer is eligible to receive financial assistance to attend a program of higher education, such as community colleges or four-year universities. An eligible public safety officer can also transfer unused education benefits to their dependent.

"Law enforcement agencies are having a hard time retaining officers as far too many of our brave men and women in blue who risk their lives defending our communities feel it is a thankless job and aren't getting the support they need," said Rep. Lawler (NY-17). "That's why I'm proud to join with colleagues from both parties to introduce the Educational Opportunities for Public Safety Act. This legislation will enable a public safety officer who has served for eight years and commits to serving four more for a single employer, or their dependent, to receive financial assistance for higher education. It's so important that we do more to retain our officers and reward their heroic work. This legislation will do both."

"Our hardworking police officers dedicate their lives to the public in pursuit of safer communities for all of us," said Rep. Caraveo (CO-08). "I'm proud to introduce the bipartisan EdCOPS Act, which will reward police officers' dedication by offering secondary education benefits to them or their family members. Across the Front Range and Northern Colorado, I've heard from countless law enforcement leaders that recruitment and retention are the biggest challenges departments face. With an opportunity for officers to earn a new four-year education benefit, we can make great strides toward helping local police departments retain talented officers to serve our communities."

A 2023 Police Executive Research study indicates that police departments are losing officers faster than they can hire new ones. Overall, agencies experienced 50% more resignations in 2022 than in 2019. Over the past three years, sworn officers' staffing levels have dropped nearly 5%.

A survey conducted by the Colorado Association of Chiefs of Police, the County Sheriffs Association, and the Colorado Fraternal Police in 2022 indicated that 80% of respondents ranked recruitment and retention as a top concern in their agencies.

"Law enforcement agencies across the country are struggling to recruit new law enforcement officers and retain their current veterans. It is critical that law enforcement agencies are fully staffed with well-trained, educated, and dedicated officers to protect our communities. We believe, as you do, that this legislation would help make the prospect of a career in law enforcement more attractive and give both our new and veteran law enforcement officers the opportunity to seek higher education for themselves or their families. I want to thank Representatives Caraveo and Lawler for their leadership on this issue." said Patrick Yoes, President of the National Fraternal Order of Police.

"Law enforcement agencies across the country serving urban, rural, big, and small communities are struggling to retain qualified officers. Education benefits have proven not only to increase officer loyalty towards their department but also improve officer performance and allow for greater promotion within the department. Under the EdCOPS Act, officers can choose to use the education assistance for themselves or for their children, creating opportunities that benefit their families. This Act will be an important tool for departments to retain experienced officers and we thank Representatives Caraveo and Lawler for their support of the law enforcement community," said Bill Johnson, Executive Director of the National Association of Police Organizations.

Supporting organizations include the National Fraternal Order of Police, National Association of Police Organizations Major County Sheriffs of America Thornton Police Department Brighton Police Department.

Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) introduced this bill in the Senate.

Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress representing New York's 17th Congressional District north of New York City containing parts Rockland Putnam Dutchess Westchester Counties.