Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Tuesday three new legislative proposals related to recruiting new and out-of-state law enforcement officers. DeSantis said it is an effort for Florida to acquire valued men and women of our nation’s law enforcement community amid controversy surrounding police, particularly the “Abolish the Police” movement.
“As so many cities and states choose to disrespect, degrade and defund the honorable work of law enforcement, we want Florida to continue valuing our men and women of law enforcement today, tomorrow and for generations to come,” said DeSantis. “That’s why today, I am proud to announce new initiatives to recruit and reward brave, high quality law enforcement officers in Florida that I will be including in my legislative priorities for our upcoming legislative session, including $5,000 signing bonuses.”
DeSantis made the announcement at the annual National Fraternal Order of Police Convention and said he will continue to work to reward “high-quality law enforcement officers.”
“At the National FOP Convention, I announced my commitment to recruit and reward high-quality law enforcement officers in Florida through three programs that will be included and prioritized in the upcoming legislative session,” DeSantis said.
At the National FOP Convention, I announced my commitment to recruit and reward high-quality law enforcement officers in Florida through three programs that will be included and prioritized in the upcoming legislative session. pic.twitter.com/EsQL8Krmha
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) August 17, 2021
The three components of the proposed legislation are: signing bonuses for new officers, the launch of the Academy Scholarship Program, and supporting relocation efforts for officers from out-of-state.
The signing bonuses will provide new officers with a one-time $5,000 bonus, but if the officer leaves their role prior to one year of service, the bonus will have to be refunded to the state.
Also, the “Academy Scholarship Program, created through the Department of Education, will provide additional resources for law enforcement academy enrollees.”
The final proposal “will be supporting the Recruitment of Out of State Law Enforcement Officers by providing the State Officer Certification Exam free of charge to law enforcement officers relocating to Florida. Additionally, the state will cover the cost of any necessary Equivalency Training Programs for law enforcement officers relocating to Florida, up to a maximum of $1,000 per officer.”
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Grant Holcomb is a reporter at the Florida Capital Star and The Star News Network. Follow Grant on Twitter and direct message tips.
Photo “FOP Convention” by Ron DeSantis.
