Seventh Bristol District State Representative Alan Silvia has sponsored a bill geared at creating a grant program for Gateway Cities like Fall River to provide financial incentives to recruit and retain public safety officers.
Representative Silvia says the state’s 26 Gateway Cities are at a disadvantage in recruiting and retaining police officers based on changes in police operations within cities compared to suburban communities.
Rep. Silvia says money in the grant program can be used not only to provide financial incentives directly to officers but to cover the costs of officers looking to join the force.
Recent headlines involving Fall River officers and those across the country have added to a negative perception of police work and the reduction in new recruits.
There is more pressure than ever on police officers to effectively serve a community, especially in Gateway Cities.
Rep. Silvia is hopeful the bill will pass with funds being made available to cities for the fiscal year that will begin in July 2024.
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