As we near the end of the first year of our new millennium, we've just elected (finally) a new
President. We'll probably see some changes in how the federal government funds law
enforcement initiatives, and can probably anticipate that the major focus or our new President
and Congress, will be the funding of education, at a much higher level than now. We'll also
probably see some reduction in federal funding of law enforcement initiatives, and a shift from
staffing to technology.
Some might even think this is a bad thing for law enforcement. After all, haven't we gotten
somewhat spoiled over having the things COPS grants have gotten for us? I have a somewhat
different point of view. Many of us remember the great amounts of money channeled to law
enforcement during the late 1960's and early 1970's. Our profession made great strides forward
during those early years (for example, how many of you got your education through LEEP? I
did).
Through the latest rounds of federal funding, we've all benefitted, and we're all the better for it.
Now, if this President lives up to his promises to education, that institution should see the same
benefit through increased funding that we've seen over the past eight years. That's good - for
them, and for us. Better educational systems mean better educated people. That hopefully means
our officers will have the opportunity to deal with people who are more open minded, and more
capable of rationalizing in the proper sense.
That should translate to a clientele better able to help us problem-solve, through a better ability to
reason, and a more open attitude enhanced through education. It should also mean a better
quality candidate for each of us, one who we can turn our profession over to at the end of our
respective careers, and do so with confidence.
I plan on continuing to apply for federal funds for my agency. But I also plan on enjoying the
future benefits to us that a better educated citizenry can provide.
See you at the conference!
