Law enforcement agencies across the country- urban, rural, large, or small communities alike- are facing a growing crisis in recruitment and retention that is straining public safety at every level. Many agencies are operating below full strength and have been forced to reduce services as a result. According to a 2024 survey from the International Association of Chiefs of Police, more than 70% of responding agencies report greater difficulty recruiting qualified candidates than they did just five years ago. As a result, 65% of agencies have been forced to reduce or eliminate services, specialized units, and positions due to staffing shortages. On average, departments are operating at a 10% staffing deficit, placing increased pressure on the officers who remain—many of whom are working extended hours and overtime to fill the gap.

One of the biggest concerns raised by law enforcement leaders is that many departments are, in effect, paying to train officers for other agencies. Large departments often see officers leave for suburban or smaller jurisdictions offering better compensation or improved working conditions, while smaller agencies are also losing personnel to “greener pastures” with higher pay. In many cases, officers are not just changing departments—they are leaving policing altogether.

The survey data makes clear that these losses are happening early in careers, with most resignations occurring within the first five years of service. The top reasons cited include higher pay at another agency, better career growth opportunities, dissatisfaction with policing as a profession, and ongoing work-life balance challenges such as long shifts, weekend work, and burnout. As one respondent put it, “Most retention issues occur within the first five years of employment. Sworn members either realize that this career isn’t for them, or they simply cannot effectively do the job.”

The Fuel the Force Act (H.R. 7210) offers a critical solution to this crisis by strengthening retention, supporting officer well-being, and ensuring agencies can continue to protect and serve their communities effectively.

What the Fuel the Force Act Does

The Fuel the Force Act is a direct solution designed to combat financial stress and encourage retention within law enforcement. It achieves this by providing a federal income tax exemption on the first $100,000 of income for eligible full-time officers. To qualify, an officer must have a minimum of five years of service, promoting long-term commitment. Crucially, this benefit applies to federal, state, and local law enforcement. By reducing the tax burden, the bill effectively increases take-home pay for officers across the country without requiring the creation of a new federal spending program.

The Fuel the Force Act was introduced with bipartisan leadership in the House by Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-1) and Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Pérez (D-WA-3).  This bipartisan partnership reflects a shared understanding that supporting law enforcement is not a partisan issue—it is a public safety priority.

Police Officers’ Defense Coalition (PODC) strongly supports the Fuel the Force Act as a bold, practical solution designed to support officers financially while strengthening departments nationwide. The legislation has also drawn support from national law enforcement organizations, including the National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO) and the National Police Association, both of which have endorsed the bill as a key solution to the recruitment and retention crisis.

Law enforcement agencies are facing a difficult reality:

• Officers are underpaid relative to the risks they take
• Financial pressures are pushing experienced officers out
• New recruits are harder to attract, and most retention issues occur within the first 5 years on the job 

The Fuel the Force Act addresses these challenges head-on by:

• Incentivizing long-term service 
• Improving officer morale
• Reducing financial stress on officers and their families
• Strengthening department stability

America’s law enforcement officers deserve more than recognition, they deserve real support. Police Officers’ Defense Coalition strongly supports this common-sense, results-driven policy that recognizes the sacrifices law enforcement officers make every day. 

The Fuel the Force Act provides a clear path forward to strengthen policing, support officers, and improve public safety nationwide. If you stand with law enforcement, now is the time to act. Contact your Representative today and urge them to support and pass the Fuel the Force Act!