Bill To Create Scholarship For Rural Peace Officer Training Moves Forward

DENVER, CO - Senator Bridges’ bill to support rural law enforcement training programs passed through the Senate Judiciary Committee today. HB20-1229 aims to create a scholarship fund for small, rural agencies in order to help cover tuition costs for law enforcement training academy. 

“Our police officers and sheriffs deserve to get the training they need in order to best serve our communities. But right now there are too many small-town programs that are struggling,” said Sen. Jeff Bridges. “No matter their zip code, those who are dedicating their lives to protecting our safety need to be invested in.”

Rural law enforcement agencies with limited resources are struggling to financially support law enforcement recruits with the tuition costs necessary for officer training. With rural budgets already stretched thin, this bill gives the opportunity for peace officer candidates to attend basic law enforcement training academy with financial support, and support their rural communities thereafter.

Under HB20-1229, the Peace Officers Standards and Training Board (P.O.S.T) would be authorized to create and oversee a scholarship fund for small and rural agencies to help law enforcement recruits with the cost of training. This much-needed assistance. 

For more information about HB20-1229, please click here.