U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas (NH-01) reintroduced his bipartisan legislation to establish a new grant program at the Department of Justice alongside Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01). They were joined by Representatives Don Bacon (NE-02), Jay Obernolte (CA-23), Angie Craig (MN-02), Don Davis (NC-01), Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11), Tom Kean Jr. (NJ-07), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), and Mike Lawler (NY-07).

The Establishing Accreditation Grants for Law Enforcement (EAGLE) Act will authorize $10 million in funding for small and mid-sized police departments to earn or renew accreditation from state, regional, tribal, or national police accreditation organizations, such as the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). Authorizing these funds will help police departments update their standards and best practices to strengthen accountability, enhance community trust, and improve operational effectiveness.

“Local police departments in New Hampshire need resources to keep our communities safe,” said Congressman Pappas. “This bipartisan legislation will provide them with direct funding for additional training that raises standards, implements best practices, and improves community ties. I will continue working across the aisle to build support for this legislation which will strengthen public safety.”

“Local police departments work day in and day out to keep our communities safe–but without the resources for accreditation, they’re often forced to do more with less. Certification and renewal raise the bar for training, accountability, and public trust. Our bipartisan EAGLE Act cuts through financial barriers to equip departments in PA-1 and nationwide with the tools they need to achieve high standards and deliver real, lasting results for public safety,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick.

This legislation is the product of a series of conversations between Congressman Pappas, New Hampshire law enforcement officials, and reform advocates from New Hampshire, and is supported by the Fraternal Order of Police, the Small and Rural Law Enforcement Executive Association, and the Law Enforcement Action Partnership. All New Hampshire municipal police departments would qualify for funding under this legislation.

“The accreditation of a law enforcement agency can increase their accountability, improve operational effectiveness, and enhance community trust, but less than 10% of our nation’s agencies are accredited,” said Patrick Yoes, National President of the National Fraternal Order of Police. “Accreditation is a costly and time-consuming process, and this legislation, which establishes a grant program that would pay the certification or recertification fees for small and mid-sized law enforcement agencies, will really help and improve the ability of these agencies to protect their communities.”

“We strongly support the law enforcement accreditation process as an essential step in strengthening policing and ensuring accountability in our communities. However, we must recognize the significant challenges that small and rural agencies face in achieving accreditation, particularly due to limited resources. The introduction of the Establishing Accreditation Grants for Law Enforcement Act is a critical step in addressing this gap, offering vital financial assistance to these agencies, allowing them to engage in a more inclusive and effective reform process,” said Sheriff Eli Rivera, Cheshire County Sheriff and President of the Small and Rural Law Enforcement Executives Association.

“As law enforcement officials, we know that our ability to uphold public safety depends on trust, accountability, and professionalism,” said Lt. Diane Goldstein (Ret.), Executive Director of the Law Enforcement Action Partnership. “The EAGLE Act would open up critical funding to help small and rural police departments meet national accreditation standards, ensuring that even the most under-resourced agencies can adopt best practices for evidence-based policing, transparency, and overall operational effectiveness. It’s a smart investment that will improve safety for both law enforcement and the communities they serve.”