Substitute Senate Bill No. 1492 aims to improve law enforcement recruitment and retention in Connecticut through a series of initiatives and funding allocations. The bill mandates the Commissioner of Emergency Services and Public Protection to collaborate with stakeholders to develop a promotional plan for the law enforcement profession by January 1, 2026. It establishes a full-time coordinator for police cadet programs, allocates funding for these programs, and introduces a grant program to reimburse municipal police departments for basic training costs. Additionally, the bill allows lawful permanent resident noncitizens to be eligible for police officer certification and provides grants to the ten most populous municipalities to increase police officer salaries. It also includes provisions for tuition waivers for police officers and their dependents, a loan reimbursement program for long-serving officers, and property tax exemptions for officers residing in distressed municipalities.

The bill further mandates the Police Officer Standards and Training Council to evaluate college criminal justice courses for equivalency to academy training and to establish a pilot program with the University of New Haven. It also requires the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection to enhance mental health programs for police officers and to study the return of retired officers to service under specific conditions. The bill includes various insertions and deletions to existing laws to ensure clarity and effectiveness in supporting law enforcement personnel, with reports and recommendations due by specified deadlines. Overall, sSB1492 seeks to create a more supportive environment for law enforcement in Connecticut while addressing ongoing recruitment and retention challenges.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 12-81
PS Joint Favorable: 12-81
File No. 448: 12-81