MADISON (WKOW) — Wisconsin Republicans and Democrats have teamed up to introduce a bill aimed at providing smaller police departments with funding for recruitment. However, the necessary funding was not included in the state's most recent budget.

The bill comes as law enforcement agencies struggle with recruitment. A 2024 study by the International Association of Chiefs of Police found that 70% of respondents reported recruiting is harder now than it was five years ago.

"It's becoming tougher and tougher to get a full room of potential recruits," said Rep. Clinton Anderson (D-Beloit). "We're seeing less applicants at sheriff's departments and police departments all across the state. So this is amplified in smaller departments."

Rep. Anderson introduced the bipartisan bill to the Assem

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