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Public Safety Partnership and Community Policing Grants
COPS grants support innovative programs that respond directly to the existing and emerging needs of state, local, and tribal law enforcement, to shift law enforcements focus
Since 1994, funded projects include the hiring of additional officers to engage in community policing under the COPS Phase I, COPS FAST, COPS AHEAD, Distressed Neighborhoods Program, Universal Hiring Program and the COPS in Schools program.
Under the COPS MORE grant program awards were made for the acquisition of technology and equipment, the hiring of civilian support resources, and, in the case of MORE '95 only, for the payment of overtime to redeploy in a cost-effective manner, sworn officers to community policing activities.
Since 1999, the Tribal Resource Grant Program has provided grants to Federally Recognized Indian tribes to hire additional officers to engage in community policing and to purchase law enforcement equipment and technology.
In addition to the above programs, funding for projects that advance community policing, combat the proliferation of methamphetamine, increase the use of interoperable technologies, combat gangs, combat firearms violence, build faith based initiatives, and combat domestic violence have been awarded.
The Department of Justice enforces the law and defends the interest of the United States, ensuring public safety against threats foreign and domestic; providing Federal leadership in preventing and controlling crime; seeking just punishment for those guilty of unlawful pursuits; and ensuring fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans.
Relevant Nonprofit Program Categories
Program Accomplishments
In fiscal year 2007, COPS received 1,377 applications. A total of 449grants were awarded. FY 07 awards included the Tribal Resource Grant Program, Methamphetamine Initiative, Technology Program, Secure our Schools program, and Community Policing Development grants.
Uses and Use Restrictions
Grants provide funding to (1) provide state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies with grants for equipment, technology, officers, and training that enable law enforcement to build and strengthen their community policing infrastructure, and provided technical assistance to ensure that agencies are properly and effectively implementing the grant funding; (2) provide training, convening conferences, providing publication products, disseminating best practices, promoting law enforcement and community partnerships, and conducting program evaluations.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
States, units of local government, Federally Recognized Indian tribal governments, U.S.
territories or possessions (including the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Mariana Islands), other public and private entities, and multi-jurisdictional or regional consortia thereof.
Beneficiary Eligibility
States, units of local government, Federally Recognized Indian tribal governments, U.S. territories or possessions (including the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Mariana Islands), other public and private entities, and multi-jurisdictional or regional consortia thereof.
Credentials/Documentation
None.
Aplication and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
This program is eligible for coverage under E.O.
12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review.
Application Procedures
Applicant submits application and budget forms as well as other required documentation (including required assurances, certifications, retention information, lobbying, etc.) prescribed by the grantor agency and approved by OMB, as outlined in the Application Kit. Application Kits are available from the grantor agency. At the time of submission, an original and two copies of the application are required with original signatures of duly authorized representatives (usually the Law Enforcement and Government Executive).The COPS Office offers the option of applying for COPS Grants online using the collaborative, multiple-agency E-government initiative Grants.gov. If applicants apply using Grants.gov, the agency is required to complete the mandatory online forms and submit the application through their Authorized Organizational Representative.
Award Procedures
Upon approval by the Director, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, award notification letters will be sent to grantees. The grant award must be signed by a duly authorized representative and returned to the designated office within 90 days of the award mail date.
Deadlines
Application deadlines vary among grant programs and are noted on grant application materials. Contact the grantor agency for specific application deadlines.
Authorization
Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968, 42 U.S.C. 3796, as amended; Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, Title I, Part Q, Public Law 103-322.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Normally between 4-6 months after receipt of application. Award announcements vary depending on the grant program.
Appeals
See 28 C.F.R. Part 18.
Renewals
COPS grants are made for between 1 and 3 years depending on the program. Renewals and/or extensions may be available under some grant programs and will be considered on a case-by-case basis. If available, extensions should be requested not sooner than 90 days prior to the expiration of the original project period.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
Awards can be made for 75 percent of allowable project costs. Innovative grant programs may cover 100 percent of the total project cost, up to a maximum amount as specified in the application, with no local match required. Unless the requirement of a nonfederal share is waived, nonfederal funds must pay the difference. The nonfederal share of hiring grants must increase year-to-year over the grant period.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
COPS grants are made for between 1 and 3 years depending on the program. Assistance is released on a reimbursement or limited advance basis.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
Annual programmatic reports and quarterly financial status reports will be required as stipulated in the effective edition of the relevant grant owner's manual distributed by the grantor agency.
Other reporting requirements, such as a final progress report and a closeout report may also be required depending on the grant program.
Audits
In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133, as amended, all grantees that expend Federal financial assistance of $500,000 or more during the fiscal year shall have an audit made for the year. Grantees receiving less than $500,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements, but records must be retained and available for review by appropriate officials of the Federal grantor agency.
Records
Financial records, supporting documents, and all other records pertinent to a grant shall be retained for a period of three years following the conclusion of Federal assistance.
Financial Information
Account Identification
15-0406-0-1-754.
Obigations
(Grants) FY 07 $555,445,730; FY 08 est $4,000,000(President's Budget Request); and FY 09 est not reported.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
$3,775 to $6,000,000; $556,579.
Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature
Application Kits and current edition of M7100.1, which are available from Headquarters.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
None.
Headquarters Office
Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, 1100 Vermont Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20530. Telephone: U.S. Department of Justice Response Center: 1 (800) 421-6770, or (202) 307-1480. Direct applications to: COPS Office, 1100 Vermont Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20530. Send to the attention of the control desk for the specific program name.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
General criteria for selecting proposals are set forth in the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, Public Law 103-322. Additional criteria may be developed by the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services and will be published in the Federal Register and COPS application materials.
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