U.S. Bill To Bolster Police Funding Introduced By NJ Congressman

DUMONT, NJ — A bipartisan bill announced Monday would provide police departments with investments to help keep themselves and their communities safe.

Democrat Josh Gottheimer, who represents New Jersey's 5th congressional district, introduced the Invest in Law Enforcement Act on Monday. This bill is also known as the Invest to Protect Act.

The act includes provisions for the following:

• Investing in officer safety, de-escalation, and domestic violence response training
• Funding body worn cameras
• Get grants to smaller departments to recruit new officers
• Help departments provide mental heath resources for officers

“Overall, this is about investing in the brave men and women in our departments — in their careers, their well-being, and their futures," said Gottheimer, who has constituents in Bergen, Passaic, Sussex, and Warren counties. "That will make our communities safer."

The bill is co-sponsored is Republican John Rutherford of Florida, who is a former sheriff.

"This legislation will provide critical financial support for recruitment, training, and mental health," Gottheimer continued. "And it sends an important message: we want our police officers to feel supported, especially when they are struggling with the realities of their profession. We want them to know that we have their backs and that they are appreciated for the job they do.”

Bergen County Sheriff Anthony Cureton attended the announcement Monday at the Dumont Police Department and said he is grateful to Gottheimer for making the initiative a reality.

“Law enforcement is constantly evolving and the legislation for funding, outlined in the Congressman’s bill, is essential to better policing," Cureton said.

Wayne Blanchard, New Jersey State Troopers Fraternal Association President, said his organization is proud to support the Police Investment Act.

“All of these investments are a huge win for individual police officers, police agencies, and the citizens we proudly serve," Blanchard said.