New bill in TN could help police departments fill staffing gaps

A new bill being introduced in the Tennessee General Assembly could help police departments across Tennessee fill critical staffing gaps. The proposal would create a special fund to help agencies recruit officers if they have 10% or more vacancies.  HB 1445 would create a state-run recruitment fund with grants available for departments struggling to fill at least 10% of their funded positions. The Office of Criminal Justice Programs would handle the applications and track how departments use it to make sure the money goes towards recruitment.