WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Justice announced through its Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) that it has released more than $500 million in grant solicitations for hiring more community officers, keeping school students safe and promoting the health and safety of the country’s law enforcement officers.

“There is no more noble a profession than serving as a law enforcement officer and putting your life on the line to protect your community,” said COPS Office Director Phil Keith, according to a press release. “Our police officers fight an unrelenting fight, and it is more important than ever to support them. This funding will provide critical support to state, local and tribal agencies so that they can bolster their ranks and reinforce community policing strategies and programs, and further our commitment to reducing violent crime.”

The COPS Hiring Program (CHP) is a competitive award program intended to reduce crime and advance public safety through community policing by providing direct funding for the hiring of career law enforcement officers.

The CHP provides funding to state, local and tribal law enforcement to enhance local community policing strategies and tactics. Funds for the program had previously been on hold since spring 2018.

New programs being undertaken include the 2020 Community Policing Development Program, the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act Program, and the Preparing for Active Shooter Situations Program. This year’s Active Shooter program will train at least 20,000 first responders through scenario-based, multi-disciplinary training classes.

In addition, the office provides funding for additional programs including the COPS Office Anti-Heroin Task Force Program, the COPS Anti-Methamphetamine Program, and the STOP School Violence Prevention Program.

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice.  Those interested may learn more about the history of the agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

For more information on COPS Office funding, visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/grants.