Our police officers are the cornerstone of the safety of our community. These men and women who protect us every day risk not only their lives but also the well-being of their families to serve us.

Still, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find people willing to make such sacrifices, and agencies across the state are struggling to recruit and retain qualified officers. For these officers, not only are the risks high, but the opportunities also remain slim. According to Zip Recruiter, the average salary for a police officer in Colorado is about $60,000. And as the number of police officers per capita continues to decline, the danger they face increases. In fact, violent and property crime rates are still higher than before the pandemic.

For those who make the ultimate sacrifice on our behalf, their families receive only 70% of these officers' salaries, often adding financial crisis to personal tragedy.

That's why I support Proposition 130, which directs the state to provide $350 million in grants – not taxpayer money – to local law enforcement agencies to improve police pay, recruiting, hiring and training – including training on the use of police Violence etc restraint – as well as hiring additional officers to combat certain types of criminal activity or to focus on high crime areas. Although the $350 million is a one-time provision, the state would have to continue paying the $1 million death benefit in the future.

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Importantly, the measure also provides $1 million in compensation to the family of an officer killed in the line of duty. Too many families who lose their loved one in a split second face significant financial hardship that only compounds their ongoing and debilitating grief. Providing these families with some financial security is the least we can do when their loved ones are sacrificing their lives to protect us.

To maintain a strong and effective police force, we must prioritize both recruitment and retention. The importance of retaining our most talented and ethical public servants cannot be overstated. Staffing shortages are not just a budget issue; They directly impact public safety. Staffing shortages result in increased overtime costs and reduced efficiency, which can impact our officers' ability to serve and protect.

Investing in effective training for our departments is equally important. Well-trained officers are better prepared to handle complex situations, make informed decisions under pressure, and keep the public safe.

In recent years, Colorado has taken significant steps toward law enforcement reform to improve accountability and transparency. However, these well-intentioned changes must include a balanced system that recognizes and rewards the risks and hard work of our dedicated officers.

I urge you to join me in showing our officers, deputies and their families that we stand with them and support safe and thriving communities.

Vote “yes” to Proposition 130.

Joe O'Dea, the 2022 Republican candidate for U.S. Senate, is managing director of Denver-based Concrete Express. Inc.