Recently, I have met with several police chiefs who all say the same thing - funding for essential police services is often sent to larger municipalities, leaving our small-town departments fighting over the scraps.  To that end, I will be introducing legislation to allocate 25% of existing grants from the Municipal Police Officers’ Education and Training Commission (MPOETC) to police departments in townships and boroughs across the Commonwealth with populations of less than 20,000 residents. These grants are awarded by the MPOETC to municipalities for the purpose of training, living and travel expenses, and other essential functions.

Small municipalities are the backbone of Pennsylvania. Unfortunately, the police forces in these communities often face unique challenges in providing essential services due to limited budgets and fewer resources. Unlike departments in larger cities, they frequently lack the financial flexibility necessary to respond to urgent needs, provide adequate training, retain officers, or invest in long-term improvements.

This legislation will redirect part of an existing state grant program to ensure that part of this financial assistance reaches these smaller police departments. No additional fiscal burden on the state or local governments is authorized in this bill.

By investing in these communities, we can help ensure all Pennsylvanians – regardless of zip code – have access to safe, vibrant, and well-supported neighborhoods.

Please join me in co-sponsoring this important legislation.