Law enforcement veteran Michael Letts discusses what police departments – and their governments – can do to bring in much-needed new ranks.

Police departments have already faced trouble over the past few years, between dwindling government funds and the entire “Defund the Police” campaign. But now they face even more concerns, as they struggle to bring in new officers to fill their vacancies.

A new report from the Washington Post notes that some cities, including San Francisco and Phoenix, aren’t attracting that many applicants when it comes to filling new officer roles.

“We’re having to really, really work hard to fill what we have,” said Sheriff Tom Dart of Cook County, Ill., who has a shortage of 300 officers within his Cook County office in Illinois. “And we’re still not filling at the rate that we would want.”

But how did we get to this point – and is there anything that can be done to fix it? 

With us now to discuss this is Michael Letts, a law enforcement veteran with over 30 years of experience under his belt. He is President, Founder and CEO for InVest USA, an organization that provides bulletproof vests to police officers through various sponsorships and charitable groups. His expertise will certainly prove useful here.

Q&A:

1. What would you say is the bigger factor when it comes to failing attracting new police officers for duty – “Defund the police” or the lack of government support? Or are they both equally to blame?
2. Some people still believe that “Defund the police” was the best choice when it came to righting the wrongs surrounding George Floyd. Do you believe this was a mistake? If so, why?
3. Is being a police officer more difficult these days than it was when you were serving years ago? Is it mainly due to the changes in today’s political climate? Or the increase in crime? Maybe both?
4. What do you think governments and police departments need to do in an effort to bring new officers back into the fold?
5. Why do you think Joe Biden and his fellow Democrats are taking so long to complete their “fund the police” bill? Could it be they’re still trying to grasp some of those “Defund the police” morals? Or is it something else?
6. You’re the creator of InVest USA, an organization that provides bulletproof vests to police officers through various charitable groups and sponsorships. Tell us more about that, and why support for fellow officers is so important right now.
7. Where can we learn more about InVest USA, and how those interested can help their fellow officers.

You can visit our official InVest USA website, and learn more on the official Invest USA Twitter account. You can also learn about my new initiative at RestoringJustice.US, where we discuss lawful issues surrounding citizens of the United States.

About Michael Letts:

Michael Letts is the Founder, President, and CEO of InVest USA, a national grassroots non-profit organization that is helping hundreds of communities provide thousands of bulletproof vests for their police forces through educational, public relations, sponsorship, and fundraising programs. He also has over 30 years of law enforcement experience under his belt, hence his pro-police stance for his brothers and sisters in blue. Those interested in learning more about Letts can visit his official website here.

Yet another harrowing “active shooter” event took place over the weekend in Henry County in the state of Georgia, resulting in the deaths of four people. However, thanks to police acting so quickly, the suspect wasn’t able to do that much more damage – and it’s something the citizens of Atlanta need to recognize.

Following months of uneasiness with its police force, Atlanta recognized the actions of officers from both Henry and Clayton County when they took part in a manhunt following the deaths of four people early Saturday morning. Eventually, the police were able to find the suspect, Andre Longmore. After engaging in gunfire that left two officers injured, they were finally able to kill him before any more damage was done.

“The monster is dead,” Henry County Sheriff Reginald Scandrett said in a statement. “It’s an absolute honor to have this day that we can breathe a little bit easier, sleep a little bit better tonight. This monster is off our streets.” 

But with the shooting comes some recognizance of the brave officers that were doing everything in their power to keep people safe – despite uneasiness that had risen up throughout Atlanta and its surrounding neighborhoods.

Over the past few months, some citizens had protested against the “abuse” by Atlanta police forces, following the shooting of an armed assailant that invaded a training facility. The uneasiness had even gotten to the point that people were damaging police equipment. However, with this incident being quickly resolved, it should be safe to say that Atlanta police are doing their job efficiently – and the correct way.

Joining us now to discuss the actions from over the weekend is Michael Letts, a law enforcement veteran with over 30 years of experience under his belt. Letts serves as President, founder and CEO of InVest USA, an organization that provides bulletproof vests to police officers through various groups and sponsorships. His expertise should be quite welcome in this matter.

Q&A:

1. How proud are you of the actions taken by the police departments of Henry and Clayton County in stopping the suspect so quickly?
2. What does this say about the effectiveness of Atlanta police, especially at a time when so many people are protesting against them?
3. Are those against Atlanta police performing with the same motives as those protestors that were trying to “defund the police” a few years back? Why do you believe they’re so hellbent on fighting against officers?
4. Do you believe this situation may change their minds? Or could uneasiness still be present throughout Atlanta?
5. Is there anything you want to personally say to the officers from these counties?
6. You’re the creator of InVest USA, an organization that provides bulletproof vests to police officers through various charitable groups and sponsorships. Tell us more about that, and why support for fellow officers is so important right now.
7. Tell us more about RestoringJustice.US, the new website where you help out citizens in need surrounding law matters.
8. Where can we learn more about InVest USA, Restoring Justice and whatever else you’re working on?

You can visit our official InVest USA website, and learn more on the official Invest USA Twitter account. You can also learn about our new initiative at RestoringJustice.US.

About Michael Letts:

Michael Letts is the Founder, President, and CEO of InVest USA, a national grassroots non-profit organization that is helping hundreds of communities provide thousands of bulletproof vests for their police forces through educational, public relations, sponsorship, and fundraising programs. He also has over 30 years of law enforcement experience under his belt, hence his pro-police stance for his brothers and sisters in blue. Those interested in learning more about Letts can visit his official website here.