The Invest to Protect Act establishes a federal grant program run by the Department of Justice to help small local police departments improve officer training and recruitment. The grants are available to counties, municipalities, towns, and tribal governments with fewer than 175 law enforcement officers. Eligible agencies can use grant money for de-escalation and mental health training, victim-centered domestic violence training, specialized safety training (such as for active shooter situations or handling drug-related calls), signing and retention bonuses for officers, graduate education assistance in mental health or social work, and behavioral health services for officers. The bill requires the Attorney General to create a streamlined application process that eligible agencies can complete in no more than two hours and directs the Justice Department to begin awarding grants within 120 days of the bill's enactment. The bill authorizes up to $50 million annually for fiscal years 2027 through 2031, with oversight provisions including annual audits, public disclosure of bonuses awarded, and annual program evaluations to ensure effectiveness.
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