Recruit and Retain Act

What it does

This act expands the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) grant program to support recruitment efforts by law enforcement agencies.

Specifically, the act expands the COPS program by

• allowing funds to be used for reducing application-related fees (e.g., fees for background checks, psychological evaluations, and testing); and

• directing the Department of Justice (DOJ) to award competitive grants to partnerships between law enforcement agencies and educational institutions (e.g., elementary and secondary schools and institutions of higher education) for recruiting activities, such as for career and job fairs.

The act requires DOJ to establish guidance for understaffed law enforcement agencies applying for COPS grants.

The Government Accountability Office must study and report on the effects of recruitment and attrition rates on federal, state, tribal, and local law enforcement agencies.

Summary by the Congressional Research Service, May 24, 2024 (Public Law). CRS summarizes bills impartially; it does not take positions.