CONGRESSMAN PAT RYAN LEADS BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION TO SUPPORT HUDSON VALLEY POLICE DEPARTMENTS

Congressman Pat Ryan Leads Bipartisan Legislation to Support Hudson Valley Police Departments

The bipartisan “Invest to Protect Act” will invest in small to midsized police departments by providing funds for the enhanced recruitment, retention, support, and training required for new officers

WASHINGTON, DC  – Today, Congressman Pat Ryan, joined by 24 colleagues, both Democrats and Republicans, introduced the “Invest to Protect Act,” critical bipartisan legislation that makes a historic investment in officer training and retention for small to midsized local police departments like those in the Hudson Valley.  

“More affordable, more safe, more free – that’s the Hudson Valley I want for my kids and yours. Our local police departments are entrusted with the enormous responsibility of keeping our communities safe, but far too often they lack the resources they need. I’m leading the charge to bolster public safety for Hudson Valley families,” said Congressman Pat Ryan. “The Invest to Protect Act will provide additional training to keep officers safe, as well as fund recruitment and retention support. When we take care of our cops, our kids, our communities, and our country are all safer. 

“My top priority is making sure our officers have the resources they need to protect our communities, and I know that Congressman Ryan shares that same mission,” said Dutchess County Sheriff Kirk Imperati. “Congressman Ryan has been a champion for local law enforcement in the Hudson Valley. His bill to provide funding for police departments across Dutchess County will be absolutely critical to our ability to keep our entire community safe, and I thank him for his continued support and advocacy.”

"The Invest to Protect Act represents a crucial investment in the future of small and midsize law enforcement agencies like ours," said Ulster County Sheriff Juan Figueroa. "By supporting recruitment, retention, officer wellness, and specialized training, this legislation gives us the tools to serve our communities more effectively and with greater compassion. Public safety begins with well-trained, supported officers, and this bipartisan effort ensures that departments like ours can continue to evolve, meet the moment, and protect the people we’re sworn to serve. I fully support this legislation and thank the Congressman for championing it."

“I appreciate everything Congressman Ryan has done and continues to do to support law enforcement,” said New Paltz Chief of Police Matthew Sutton. “It is my responsibility to ensure the safety of both my officers and everyone who lives in, works in or visits the Town of New Paltz. This funding will strengthen our ability to serve the community through improved resources, efficiency, and community-focused policing. Thank you, Congressman Ryan, for consistently delivering for Hudson Valley law enforcement.”

“The Invest to Protect Act aims to equip police agencies across the country with the necessary resources that will help guide and support us in our mission to provide our cities, towns, and villages with police officers who are well-trained and best-prepared to meet the diverse demands of 21st Century police work,” said Middletown Chief of Police John Ewanciw. “I commend Congressman Ryan for this forward-thinking approach, and his efforts in reintroducing this legislation further demonstrate his unwavering commitment towards advancing the efficiency and effectiveness of American law enforcement.  The day-to-day work of a police officer is undoubtedly challenging, nonetheless, policing remains among the most noble and rewarding career fields available.  The Invest to Protect Act will provide outstanding benefits to the profession, ensuring that police officers can advance their education, monitor their mental health and well-being, and continue to deliver knowledge, resources, and life-saving assistance to the public whenever and wherever they need it.”

“Public safety is the number one priority of government and law enforcement. Local municipal police departments are on the forefront of providing that service. Local police departments are only funded by their municipality’s property taxes, which is a limited funding source,” said Town of Poughkeepsie Chief of Police Joseph Cavaliere. “Local law enforcement desperately needs additional funding from the federal government to improve the ongoing recruitment and retention challenges that act as a stressor on police officers and the communities they serve. Adequate funding can enable local police departments to provide training to improve the safety of officers and the public. Such areas of training should include de-escalation techniques and mental health awareness training that would benefit the police and the public. For these reasons, I am expressing my appreciation and support for Congressman Pat Ryan’s reintroduction of the “Invest to Protect Act,” which will provide additional funding to help police fulfill their mission of protecting and serving their communities.”

The bipartisan, bicameral “Invest to Protect Act” will invest in small and midsize departments with fewer than 175 sworn officers, providing funds for the recruitment, retention, support, and training they need. It will also give departments the flexibility to utilize resources to meet the needs of their particular communities and to make meaningful investments in their officers. 

Additionally, the legislation will:

• Invest in officer safety, de-escalation, and domestic violence response training, allowing officers to receive critical training that will make them more effective at their jobs;
• Create grants for small departments to recruit new officers to bolster their departments;
• Provide retention bonuses to keep existing officers as a part of their communities;
• Fund officers’ tuition for graduate studies in mental health, public health, and social work up to $10,000; and
• Allow departments to provide mental health resources for their officers. 

The bipartisan Invest to Protect Act is endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), the National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO), the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE), the National Troopers Coalition, the New Jersey State Troopers Fraternal Association, the New Jersey State Troopers Non-Commissioned Officers Association, the National Sheriffs’ Association, Sergeants Benevolent Association (SBA), National Tactical Officers Association (NTOA), Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA), and the New Jersey State Police Benevolent Association.

This bipartisan, bicameral legislation is also led in the House by Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), former Sheriff Rep. John Rutherford (R-FL), and Rep. Steven Horsford (D-NV), and in the Senate by Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA).

###