Justice Department Awards Nearly $75 Million in Grants to Enhance Law Enforcement Services
The Justice Department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) has announced the allocation of almost $75 million in essential grant funding to law enforcement agencies and stakeholders across the United States.
This funding aims to not only bolster the Department’s efforts in reducing crime but also provide crucial support to agencies seeking to expand their mental health and wellness services for law enforcement, combat the distribution and trafficking of illicit drugs, and receive active shooter training.
Commitment to Community Safety
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland emphasized the Department’s dedication to supporting state and local law enforcement partners in their collective mission to ensure community safety.
He highlighted the grants’ significance in addressing drug trafficking, enhancing access to mental health and wellness services for police officers, and funding other critical programs.
Support for Local Law Enforcement
Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco acknowledged the tireless efforts of state and local law enforcement personnel across the nation, emphasizing the Justice Department’s commitment to providing resources for community policing and essential training.
The grants announced aim to facilitate community policing and enhance law enforcement access to mental health and wellness services.
Investment in Community Policing and Technical Assistance
Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta highlighted the significance of the Collaborative Reform Initiative, under which the Department and law enforcement partners offer technical assistance and support to agencies upon request.
This investment will help promote public safety and build trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
Funding Highlights
Notable allocations include nearly $48 million to combat the distribution and trafficking of opioids and methamphetamine through the COPS Anti-Heroin Task Force (AHTF) program and the COPS Anti-Methamphetamine Program (CAMP).
Over $9 million is designated for improving mental health and wellness services for law enforcement through the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act (LEMHWA) program.
Active Shooter Training and Collaborative Reform
Almost $11 million is designated for active shooter training through the Preparing for Active Shooter Situations (PASS) program. Additionally, nearly $7.6 million is allocated for the continuation of the Collaborative Reform Initiative to support effective community policing.
National Blue Alert Network Support
A grant of $130,000 is awarded to support the National Blue Alert Network, a nationwide system that provides early warnings of threats against law enforcement and aids in the apprehension of suspects responsible for killing or seriously injuring an officer or deputy.
Full List of Awardees
Complete lists of award recipients, including the amounts granted, can be found in the provided link.
COPS Office’s Role in Community Policing
The COPS Office, part of the Justice Department, is responsible for advancing community policing throughout the United States.
Established in 1994, it has been a cornerstone of the nation’s crime-fighting strategy, offering grants, knowledge resources, and training and technical assistance to law enforcement agencies.
Over the years, the COPS Office has become a vital resource for agencies nationwide, working to reduce crime and foster trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
Significant Impact
The COPS Office has received more than $20 billion in appropriations to advance community policing, distributing grants to over 13,000 state, local, territorial, and tribal law enforcement agencies.
These grants have funded the hiring and redeployment of over 136,000 officers, making a substantial impact on law enforcement and community safety.