WASHINGTON DC – During National Police Week, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) addressed the National Association of Police Organizations, including Nevada law enforcement officers, to thank them for their service to our communities and renew her pledge to work across party lines to make sure they have the resources they need. In her remarks, Senator Rosen detailed her bipartisan efforts to address the police officer shortage and provide law enforcement agencies with the federal resources they need to continue doing their jobs safely and effectively.
Below are excerpts from Senator Rosen’s remarks as written:
Let me start by saying how truly grateful I am to the National Association of Police Organizations for all of the work you do every day to keep our communities safe.
I’m honored to be here with you during National Police Week to say: thank you.
Each day, you put on your uniform knowing the risks, whether it’s a routine traffic stop or a domestic dispute, any situation can escalate in the blink of an eye.
[…]
As I’ve met with law enforcement officers all across my state of Nevada, one challenge I hear again and again is the shortage of officers and support staff.
This isn’t just a Nevada problem. This is a national crisis.
When departments are understaffed, the burden on existing officers grows, stretching resources thin and putting even more pressure on those still on the job.
That’s why I’ve been working across party lines to help recruit and retain the next generation of law enforcement officers.
I was proud to help pass the bipartisan Recruit and Retain Act, which was signed into law last year.
This law established a federal pipeline program to strengthen collaboration between local police departments and schools, helping encourage more young people to pursue careers in law enforcement.
It also expands the COPS Hiring Program to help local departments cover the costs of recruiting and onboarding new officers.
This is a critical step to making sure we’re expanding training and making it easier for departments to hire new officers based on the needs and demands of their communities.
[…]
At the end of the day, this all comes down to one thing: respect – respect for your service, respect for your sacrifice, and respect for your commitment to keeping us safe.
You are the heroes who put your lives on the line to protect our families, fight crime, and keep us all safe.
I promise that as long as I’m in the Senate, I will continue working with my colleagues — Democrats, Republicans, and Independents — to support you, invest in your health and safety, and ensure that you and your families have the support you’ve earned.
###
