Central Wisconsin law enforcement officials discuss a proposed incentive package. MWC photo by Mike Leischner
WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — Two Republican state lawmakers are proposing a package of incentives to help solve a staffing shortage in many rural police departments and sheriff’s offices in the state.
Pat Snyder of Schofield and Calvin Callahan of Tomahawk were joined by Police and Sheriff’s leaders from Marathon and Portage Counties on Tuesday to discuss their struggles to fill open positions in recent years. Snyder says while the problem is not unique these days, it is something that should be taken seriously.
“One of the things a lot of our constituents are concerned about is their safety,” said Snyder. “Where there [aren’t] enough officers to go around, response times go down.”
He says those conversations and discussions with the officers themselves led to the proposal which he thinks will make it attractive for established law enforcement professionals to move to Wisconsin, especially from areas that may have recently cut back on support for police. “They maybe aren’t in police-friendly communities [in other states.] They might like a chance to move to an area with great culture, like this area, and continue their careers. We wanted to add that little incentive for them to think about relocating.”
Snyder adds that in a tight job market that can often require extra financial incentives, which law enforcement doesn’t always have. He is hopeful that the plan can be funded through the state’s share of COVID-19 stimulus funds.
According to Snyder and Callahan, there are currently 13,576 law enforcement officers employed statewide, the lowest such number in Wisconsin in a decade. Their proposal would involve a nationwide recruitment effort along with thousands in relocation bonuses and onboarding assistance.
Callahan adds that he’s also proposing perks such as free hunting and fishing licenses from the DNR along with free camping passes for all law enforcement.
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