Kaptur and Bice Introduce the Training Rural Law Enforcement Officers Act of 2026 Press ReleaseJobs and the Economy

Washington, DC - During National Police Week, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) and Congresswoman Stephanie Bice (OK-05) introduced the Training Rural Law Enforcement Officers Act of 2026. This new bipartisan legislation would authorize the Department of Justice (DOJ) to provide grant funding to accredited nonprofit organizations to deliver law enforcement training at no cost to rural and smaller police departments with fewer than 50 sworn officers.

"Honored to lead this bipartisan legislation alongside my House Appropriations colleague Stephanie Bice. As we mark Police Week, we also take into account that many small and rural police departments often struggle to get the training and resources they need to protect and serve their communities. This is why extending funding opportunities to trusted nonprofits who help train and support our rural law enforcement is crucial to ensure that federal funds make it to these smaller agencies," said Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09). "Far too often, smaller departments get fewer opportunities for specialized training, and our bill ensures that every community big or small will have access to the same 21st century tools, and technology they need to do their jobs effectively."

"I was proud to lead this legislation to help ensure small and rural law enforcement departments have access to the high-quality training and resources they need to safely and effectively serve their communities," said Congresswoman Stephanie Bice (OK-05). "Far too often, smaller departments face limited resources and fewer opportunities for specialized training, and this bill helps ensure officers in every community have access to the tools they need."

"Far too often the brave men and women of our nation's law enforcement community, especially those from smaller and rural departments, lack the necessary training to effectively and safely resolve incidents they routinely face in the course of their duties. There is an important need for the federal government to allow for law enforcement officers from small and rural departments to receive proper training for such incidents, both routine and often unfamiliar," said Thor Eells Executive Director of National Tactical Officers Association. "'The Training Rural Law Enforcement Officers Act of 2026' will help ensure that law enforcement personnel from smaller and rural departments will have access to the training so vitally important to helping ensure both a proper and effective response to critical incidents and as a result preserving law enforcement and civilian life and security alike. On behalf of the over 40,000 members of the National Tactical Officers Association, I strongly commend Representative Bice and Representative Kaptur for bringing this important legislation forward."

"On behalf of the Small and Rural Law Enforcement Executive's Association, I thank Representative Bice and Representative Kaptur for bringing this important legislation forward. 'The Training Rural Law Enforcement Officers Act of 2026' will significantly increase the access to critical training for smaller and rural law enforcement departments and agencies nationwide at no additional cost to the taxpayer," said Mike Brown, Executive Director of Small and Rural Law Enforcement Executive's Association. "By expanding DOJ grant eligibility to validated non-profit organizations to provide vital training to smaller and rural law enforcement agencies, it will ensure that needed training will be received by law enforcement officials nationwide irrespective of their department's size or resources. This increased training will assist agencies and their respective communities to respond effectively, efficiently, and compassionately to the public they serve."

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