Surrounded by legislators and stakeholders, St. Paul Police Federation President Mark Ross speaks during a March 25 press conference to promote HF2454. Sponsored by Rep. Dan Wolgamott, right, the bill would establish a law enforcement grant program to help recruit and retain law enforcement officers. (Photo by Andrew VonBank)

Across the state, law enforcement agencies have “Help Wanted” signs out.

There are now more than 1,000 open law enforcement positions across the state, a number expected to grow because about 2,700 current law enforcement officers are set to retire in the next few years.

Add that all up and Minnesota potentially faces a huge lack of officers.

The so-called “Minnesota Law Enforcement Scholarship Act,” is an effort to solve the looming law enforcement employment crisis. It was laid over by the House Higher Education Finance and Policy Committee on Tuesday for possible inclusion in a committee bill.

Read more…