Kelly, Hawley Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Support Law Enforcement Recruitment and Retention
EdCOPS Act would provide higher education benefits to help recruit and retain public safety officers
Today, Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Josh Hawley (R-MO) introduced the Educational and Career Opportunities for Public Safety (EdCOPS) Act, bipartisan legislation to address staffing shortages in law enforcement by providing educational benefits to public safety officers and their dependents.
Law enforcement agencies across the country face a historic crisis in hiring and keeping qualified officers. The EdCOPS Act would help agencies attract and retain experienced officers by offering financial assistance for higher education to public safety officers who have served for at least eight years with a single employer and agree to serve an additional four years. An eligible public safety officer can transfer unused education benefits to a dependent.
“As the son of two police officers, I know how important it is to have experienced, trusted officers on the job. But right now, law enforcement agencies across the country are struggling to recruit qualified candidates and losing the people who know their communities best,” said Kelly. “By expanding education and career opportunities, we’re helping officers build a more secure future for themselves and their families. It’s an investment that will help departments keep the experienced, dedicated officers that protect our communities.”
“There is no profession more honorable than one that keeps our streets safe. Our men and women in uniform deserve Congress’ full support. I’m proud to co-sponsor legislation this National Police Week and prove to law enforcement that we have their back every step of the way,” said Hawley.
Background:
A 2023 Police Executive Research study showed that police agencies are losing officers faster than they can hire new ones. The study reports that agencies saw 50 percent more resignations from officers in 2022 than in 2019, and total sworn officer staffing has dropped nearly 5 percent over the past three years. A 2024 report from the International Association of Chiefs of Police also showed that resignation at police agencies is most likely within the first five years of hire and moving to another agency for higher salary was the reason most commonly cited for voluntary resignation.
Supporters of the bill include the Fraternal Order of Police, National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO), Major County Sheriffs of America (MCSA), Major Cities Chiefs Association (MCCA), Arizona Sheriff’s Association, Arizona Police Association, Combined Law Enforcement Association of Arizona (CLEAA), Phoenix Law Enforcement Association (PLEA), Coconino County Sheriff’s Office, Cochise County Sheriff’s Office, Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office, Prescott Valley Police Department, Nogales Police Department, Tucson Police Department, Flagstaff Police Department, and Williams Police Department.
See what Arizona and national law enforcement leaders are saying in support of the legislation:
“Those who choose a life of service in law enforcement give their communities stability, safety, and trust. But too often, we lose great officers because the long-term support just isn’t there,” said former Maricopa County Sheriff Paul Penzone. “This effort shows that Senator Kelly understands what it takes to keep good people in uniform and that he’s committed to standing with public safety families.”
“Rural communities like mine feel the effects of law enforcement staffing shortages more than most. When we lose seasoned officers, it’s not just about numbers, it’s about losing local knowledge and trust that takes years to build,” said Cochise County Sheriff Mark Dannels. “The EdCOPS Act gives agencies a valuable tool to keep experienced officers on the job and support their long-term commitment to public service. I appreciate Senator Kelly’s understanding of what our departments are facing and his ongoing support for the men and women who protect our communities.”
“Attracting and retaining police officers has been a challenge for many decades due to a lack of resources, funding, and support for our officers,” said Phoenix Law Enforcement Association President Darrell Kriplean. “We are on the verge of a significant staffing crisis as many police officers approach retirement and new recruits leave the profession due to burn out. The EdCOPS Act is a smart and innovative approach to help retain experienced officers and attract new officers by providing career and education benefits to support professional growth. This program will have a significant impact on officer morale and help keep our community safe. We thank Senator Kelly for his continued support of law enforcement and leadership on this important issue.”
“The Tucson Police Department, like many agencies across the country, is facing an unprecedented challenge in recruiting and retaining qualified officers. The EdCOPS Act offers a meaningful and timely solution. By providing education benefits to those who commit their careers to public safety, this legislation sends a clear message: we value our officers and are willing to invest in their futures. This is more than a recruitment tool—it’s a statement of support for the men and women who keep our communities safe. The EdCOPS Act will help departments like ours attract top-tier talent, retain experienced professionals, and build a stronger, more resilient public safety workforce for years to come,” said Tucson Police Chief Chad Kasmar.
“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,” said Patrick Yoes, President of the National Fraternal Order of Police. “On behalf of the more than 373,000 members of the Fraternal Order of Police, I thank Senators Kelly and Hawley for your leadership on this issue.”
Click here to read the bill text.
