Dave Reichert: “I rise for the purpose of engaging in a colloquy with the chairman about the COPS Hiring Program. Managed by the Office…”

“I rise for the purpose of engaging in a colloquy with the chairman about the COPS Hiring Program. Managed by the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, or COPS, the COPS Hiring Program is vital to State and local law enforcement agencies. The program provides our communities with the much-needed funding to hire law enforcement officers and meet public safety demands. Since its beginning, the COPS Hiring Program has placed more than 129,000 officers in communities across the United States to advance policing and crime prevention efforts. Make no mistake, these officers are necessary for the safety of our neighborhoods, constituents, and loved ones. Staffing challenges not only jeopardize the safety of our men and women in uniform, but also directly lead to the breakdown and trust between law enforcement and our communities. From my over 33 years of experience in law enforcement, I know that police departments and sheriffs' offices must have the staff necessary to engage with their communities and proactively respond to their needs, instead of running from one call to the next. COPS Hiring is a proven program that studies have shown reduces crime without a corresponding increase in arrests. Effective policing lowers crime rates and builds strong community relationships. Throughout my time in Congress, I have been fighting to keep this program funded. It is the same this year.…”