News Updates
May 14th 2025 - Kelly, Hawley Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Support Law Enforcement Recruitment and Retention. EdCOPS Act would provide higher education benefits to help recruit and retain public safety officers
Today, Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Josh Hawley (R-MO) introduced the Educational and Career Opportunities for Public Safety (EdCOPS) Act, bipartisan legislation to address staffing shortages in law enforcement by providing educational benefits to public safety officers and their dependents.
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Law enforcement agencies across the country face a historic crisis in hiring and keeping qualified officers. The EdCOPS Act would help agencies attract and retain experienced officers by offering financial assistance for higher education to public safety officers who have served for at least eight years with a single employer and agree to serve an additional four years. An eligible public safety officer can transfer unused education benefits to a dependent.
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“As the son of two police officers, I know how important it is to have experienced, trusted officers on the job. But right now, law enforcement agencies across the country are struggling to recruit qualified candidates and losing the people who know their communities best,” said Kelly. “By expanding education and career opportunities, we’re helping officers build a more secure future for themselves and their families. It’s an investment that will help departments keep the experienced, dedicated officers that protect our communities.”
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“There is no profession more honorable than one that keeps our streets safe. Our men and women in uniform deserve Congress’ full support. I’m proud to co-sponsor legislation this National Police Week and prove to law enforcement that we have their back every step of the way,” said Hawley. Read full story HERE.
April 29th 2025 - Statement from NAPO President Mick McHale Regarding President’s Executive Orderto Support and Strengthen Law Enforcement
Alexandria, VA – Today, President Trump signed an Executive Order, Strengthening and Unleashing America’s Law Enforcement to Pursue Criminals and Protect Innocent Civilians, which provides for significant support and resources for state and local law enforcement. We applaud the President for continuing to have the backs of the men and women who put their lives on the line every day to serve and protect our communities.
The provisions of this Executive Order adopt and make official almost all of the top policy priorities we have been calling for with the Administration. This includes protecting law enforcement officers’ legal rights, supporting improved training and increased benefits for officers, stronger penalties for those who commit violence against officers, going after misguided prosecutors and officials who refuse to enforce the law, and reevaluating the numerous consent decrees that are thwarting agencies across the country. It is no exaggeration to say that this Administration has listened carefully to NAPO’s concerns and followed our policy positions as a roadmap.
This executive action by the President will be vital to the efforts of state and local law enforcement to keep our communities and the officers who serve them safe and secure. We stand with the President in support of this Order and look forward to working with the Administration on its implementation.
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The National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO) is a coalition of police units and associations from across the United States that serves to advance the interests of America’s law enforcement officers through legislative and legal advocacy, political action, and education. Founded in 1978, NAPO now represents more than 1,000 police units and associations, and over 241,000 sworn law enforcement officers.
Legislative Updates
One of the primary objectives and purpose of the Mesa Police Association is to protect the interest of law enforcement in the legislative process on the State, Local, and National level. Below are some of the law-enforcement-related bills that were introduced by the Arizona Police Association (APA) or were monitored/lobbied by our lobbyist, Tassinari Terrazas and the APA.