In what has been a banner week for funding of local law enforcement in Tennessee, the Volunteer State’s governor pledged $54 million to assist law enforcement agencies in their recruiting efforts.
“To stay ahead of the nationwide spike in crime, Tennessee is taking every step to recruit, train and retain highly-qualified law enforcement officers to keep our communities safe,” said Gov. Bill Lee (R) in a Friday press release. “I commend police departments and sheriff’s offices for their continued partnership, and I’m confident these additional measures will strengthen public safety and relieve financial burdens for local law enforcement agencies.”
According to the release, $24 million will be spent to support basic training for new police officers.
“Every Tennessee local law enforcement agency is now eligible to receive funding to cover the local share of training costs for new officers, including paid Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy (TLETA) tuition, training uniforms and additional professional development expenses,” the release says. “This investment will provide 12-week officer training and save local law enforcement more than $3,000 per new officer. TLETA graduated the first class of officers through the program on September 30, including 110 officers from 61 agencies.”
Another $30 million will be spent on recruitment for new police officers.
It will allow local law enforcement agencies to dole out 3,000 recruitment bonuses.
Earlier this week, Lee announced a massive investment in violent crime prevention.
“As Americans face rising crime nationwide, TN is launching the $100 million Violent Crime Intervention Fund to equip local law enforcement with tools to keep every community safe,” Gov. Bill Lee (R) said on Twitter. “I invite all TN police departments & sheriff’s offices to apply today.”
As Americans face rising crime nationwide, TN is launching the $100 million Violent Crime Intervention Fund to equip local law enforcement with tools to keep every community safe.
I invite all TN police departments & sheriff’s offices to apply today. https://t.co/pdCBuGjVx5
— Gov. Bill Lee (@GovBillLee) October 11, 2022
“Unprecedented times call for unprecedented support. Every Tennessean deserves to feel safe in their community, & through this fund, local law enforcement agencies across TN can access the Proven Crime Prevention resources needed to deliver that quality of life,” Lee said.
Part of those funds will be used to hire and train specialized violent crime units across the state, along with technological upgrades to help law enforcement agencies track down suspects of violent crimes.
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Pete D’Abrosca is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Follow Pete on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
Background Photo “Police Officers” by Bill Lee.
