GOP candidate advocates for more funding for police training
The Republican candidate for the 165th state Legislative District wants to make it financially easier to enter the police academy. The Democratic incumbent agrees with him and says help should also be extended to firefighters and paramedics.
Republican Bob Smythe of Spring field said, if elected, he would introduce legislation that would create a new grant program to provide up to 75 percent of the training costs through the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency.
“Many law enforcement officials acknowledge that they face major challenges in recruiting, hiring, and retaining accredited candidates,” he said. “I want to reduce the financial barriers for individuals who want to join the ranks of law enforcement but lack the economic means to attend an academy. This will provide police departments with a more diverse pool of candidates that is representative of all socio-economic levels.”
Incumbent state Rep. Jennifer O’Mara, D-165 of Springfield, agreed and wants to do more.
“I commend Mr. Smythe on his proposal - it’s an important step towards increasing accessibility for those interested in becoming law enforcement officers,” she said. “I would urge the program be expanded to include covering the costs of training for firefighters and EMS professionals, in addition to police officers.
To become a municipal police officer in Pennsylvania, a candidate must complete a 22-week basic training program at a certified police academy, such as the one at Delaware County Community College. Because of budget constraints, many police departments require individuals to have already obtained their certification before they apply for a position. In Delco, only the Chester City and Upper Darby police departments are able to hire an individual first, then cover their tuition cost.
“My proposed PHEAA grant program will alleviate the financial barriers that prevent too many individuals from pursuing a career in law enforcement,” Smythe, whose father has served in law enforcement for almost 50 years, said. “If a member of law enforcement is putting their life on the line to keep our communities and families safe, the last thing they should be worried about is how they are going to repay their student loan.”
Smythe said PHEAA already has the Pennsylvania Targeted Industry Program in place that provides needbased grants for students in specific subjects, such as energy, health, advanced materials and diversified manufacturing and agriculture and food production. The PA-TIP grants provide up to 75 percent of a student’s educational costs, including tuition, books, fees and supplies.
Smythe intends for his proposal to expand this for those in law enforcement.
O’Mara said right now the biggest problem facing first responders is recruitment.
“As co-chair of the Bipartisan Fire and Emergency Services Caucus, I’ve been at the forefront of this issue in Harrisburg — I actually helped to create a joint task force between Harrisburg and Washington to address this issue, which I cochair along with state Rep. Frank Farry, (R-142 of Langhorne) and U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, (R-1 of Bucks County),” she said.
She added that funds are being distributed to those who volunteer.
“We have started to try and address some of these issues with legislation this session, including legislation to give grants to students who volunteer with local first responder companies and remain in Pennsylvania and efforts to move some of the training online to lower travel costs,” O’Mara said. “The bottom line is we must work together in a bipartisan way to address the shortage of first responders in the commonwealth.”