Mississippi’s fight over first responder retirement benefits is heating up at the Capitol — and tonight we’re breaking down what it means for the people on the front lines.

On this episode of Investigation: Homicide, hosts Therese Apel and Nicole Kral are joined by Southern States Police Benevolence Association President Andy Matuszewski, also known to many in law enforcement as “Ski.”

Matuszewski will discuss the progress of several bills currently moving through the Mississippi Legislature that could directly affect first responders across the state. One of the biggest debates centers around Tier 5 of the Public Employees’ Retirement System of Mississippi (PERS).

The changes placed many newer first responders into a 35-year retirement plan with reduced benefits, and law enforcement leaders say that shift is already affecting recruitment and retention in agencies across Mississippi. Matuszewski will explain why public safety organizations believe the system puts officers, deputies and other first responders at a disadvantage compared to previous tiers — and how a coalition of public safety groups has been working to push for reforms.

But the conversation doesn’t stop there.

Therese and Nicole will also talk with Matuszewski about other key public safety issues making their way through the Legislature, including the ongoing push to allow radar use for sheriff’s departmentsand how proposed laws could impact policing, staffing and community safety statewide.

If you want to understand what’s happening behind the scenes at the Capitol — and how those decisions affect the men and women protecting Mississippi communities — this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

This episode, like all our others, is brought to you by The Southern Connection Police Supplies, serving and protecting Mississippi first responders so they can serve and protect us.

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This episode is produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.