The smallest state’s smallest police departments may be in store for a big chunk of federal funding.

On Monday at Warwick Police Headquarters, Rhode Island Rep. Seth Magaziner (D-2) announced his co-sponsorship of the Invest to Protect Act, “a bill to invest $50 million per year in training, recruitment, and mental health resources for small and mid-sized police departments,” according to a press release from his office.

Warwick Mayor Frank Picozzi and Warwick Police Chief Col. Bradford Connor joined Magaziner for the morning announcement.

Magaziner said the bill has bi-partisan support, and will reserve at least $50 million per year “specifically for small and medium-sized law enforcement agencies, defined as law enforcement agencies with less than 200 sworn officers.”

“In the Second Congressional District that I represent, every single one of the 20 communities that is in the second district, except for Providence, qualify for this … funding,” he explained.

“If passed, almost every police department in the Second Congressional District would be eligible for funding, including Warwick, Cranston, East Greenwich, Coventry, Johnston, Burrillville, and more,” according to Magaziner’s press release.

The $50 million in annual funding, for five years, would be spread throughout the nation. Local police departments will need to apply for the funding.

The funding will support police departments via three key initiatives: investing in officer safety, de-escalation, and domestic violence response training; create grants for small departments to recruit new officers, provide retention bonuses to keep their existing officers, and fund officers’ tuition for graduate studies in mental health, public health, and social work up to $10,000; and allow departments to provide mental health resources for their officers.

The press conference also kicked off a week-long recognition of local law enforcement.

“National Police Week is a time for us all to thank the brave members of law enforcement who put their lives on the line every single day to keep our communities safe,” Magaziner said. “I’m proud to announce my support for the Invest to Protect Act, which will deliver critical federal funding for Rhode Island police departments to ensure the safety of frontline officers and continue to keep our cities and towns secure.”

Picozzi took over the lectern following Magaziner’s initial remarks.

“My greatest responsibly as Mayor is ensuring public safety,” Picozzi said. “The Invest to Protect Act will go a long way to help recruit, train and retain police officers. I want to thank Congressman Magaziner for his efforts and dedication to support public safety.”

Connor spoke next, voicing his support for the legislation.

“The Invest to Protect Act that is being co-sponsored by U. S. Representative Seth Magaziner falls directly in line with our commitment to provide quality policing by recruiting the finest candidates and then providing them with up to date training in the area of officer safety, de-escalation and domestic violence response,” Connor said. “If passed, this bill would positively enhance policing for mid-size agencies like the Warwick Police Department.”