Jenniffer González Co-Sponsors Measures To Strengthen Investments In Law And Order Agencies

Press Release

Resident Commissioner Jenniffer González Colón is pushing three bipartisan measures in Congress to bolster resources and investments in law enforcement, as well as other aspects of community policing and training.

HR6132 - Public Safety Enhancement Act of 2021 , authored by Congressman Troy Nehls (R-TX), would provide funding to hire an additional 100,000 police officers within the next 5 years. The legislation reauthorizes a portion of then-Sen. Joe Biden's 1994 crime bill, which was used to combat rising crime by putting more officers on the streets.

HR6375 COPS on the Beat Grant Program Reauthorization and Parity Act of Congressmen Tom Rice (R-SC-07) and Abigail Spanberger (D-VA-07) would reauthorize and update the COPS on the Beat Grant Program to ensure that law enforcement agencies around the nation, regardless of their size, location or regional income level, can access aid.

The HR6448 Invest to Protect Act of 2022 by Congressmen Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-05) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01) would create a new investment for small departments to get the necessary equipment, support and training, and allows them to use the funds for meaningful investments, either in their agents or communities.

These last two projects received the support of more than 75 percent of the Bipartisan Caucus of Problem Solvers (PSC), of which the resident commissioner, Jenniffer González Colón, is a part. In addition, they have the support of various police organizations, including the Fraternal Order of Police, the National Association of Sheriffs, and the National Association of Police Organizations.

"The COPS Contracting Program has provided crucial support to law enforcement agencies in Puerto Rico. Since 2012, the program has invested more than $16.2 million to help 22 municipalities on the Island to hire or rehire 221 agents," said Resident Commissioner Jenniffer González Colón. "I am proud to support my colleagues in the Problem Solvers Caucus in endorsing these two measures, which will provide additional flexibilities to ensure that more small, low-income, rural law enforcement agencies in Puerto Rico and the rest of the United States. Together we can continue to access federal resources to hire officers, purchase equipment and keep our communities safe."

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