December 08, 2021
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DeWine proposes $250M investment to law enforcement, first responders - WKRC TV Cincinnati

Gov. Mike DeWine announced a proposal to put hundreds of millions of dollars right into the hands of local and state law enforcement and first responders. (WKRC)
Gov. Mike DeWine announced a proposal to put hundreds of millions of dollars right into the hands of local and state law enforcement and first responders. (WKRC)

BETHEL, Ohio (WKRC) - Gov. Mike DeWine announced a proposal to put hundreds of millions of dollars right into the hands of local and state law enforcement and first responders.

“This is clearly not the time to defund the police. This is time to fund the police,” DeWine said.

DeWine is determined to make a $250-million investment in Ohio’s law enforcement and first responders. Using COVID relief money, DeWine’s proposal to Ohio Legislators would help support struggling departments across the state.

Bethel Police Chief Chad Essert knows all too well that every penny counts.

“A small agency like us, we could definitely use some of that funding,” Essert said.

But, Essert doesn't always count on getting big funding.

“That’s always the challenge. A lot of these grants come out and it sounds great, $250 million, but then the larger agencies or the agencies that have these multi-jurisdictional task forces, they kind of gobble up all the funding.”

DeWine proposed $175 million go toward preventing or combating crime in communities that faced challenges during the pandemic.

Part of $75 million would go to recruitment and retention efforts.

In Bethel, Essert is struggling to fill four full-time positions.

“We don’t have that next generation that want to be police officers. I think a lot of it is probably people are scared of what they see in the news and how people are reacting to what police have to deal with,” Essert said.

The remaining part of the $75 million will focus on the mental health of first responders who faced new stressors during the pandemic.

Essert said it's not uncommon for officers to not come forward.

“We have to have some sort of avenue where we can get them help and they feel comfortable getting help without being shunned or in fear of losing their jobs.”

The proposal has to be approved by the Ohio General Assembly. The $250 million would be awarded through state grant programs.



source: https://local12.com/news/local/dewine-proposes-250m-investment-to-law-enforcement-first-responders-cincinnati

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