For a mix of active shooter training, efforts to counter illegal drug trafficking and law enforcement mental health and wellness training, the U.S. Justice Department Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) awarded nearly $75 million to agencies nationwide last week.
While the funds will be split among numerous recipients, it’s worth noting that the bulk of the funds – nearly $48 million – will go to combating the distribution and trafficking of opioids and methamphetamine through the COPS Anti-Heroin Task Force (AHTF) program and the COPS Anti-Methamphetamine Program (CAMP). Other awards include nearly $11 million for active shooter training funding, more than $9 million to improve mental health and wellness service access for law enforcement, among others.
“Today’s announcement underscores the Justice Department’s commitment to supporting our state and local law enforcement partners as we work together to keep our communities safe,” Attorney General Merrick Garland said. “These grants build on our efforts to disrupt the trafficking of deadly drugs, expand access to the mental health and wellness services that police officers deserve, and fund other critical programs. The Justice Department will continue to do everything in our power to get law enforcement officers the resources and assistance needed to help keep them and their communities safe.”
The COPS Office handles DOJ efforts to improve community policing nationwide. This year, more than $20 billion was appropriated to advance community policing, including grants like these, and to hire and redeploy more than 136,000 police officers.
“COPS Office grants work to not only reduce crime and increase public safety,” Director Hugh Clements of the COPS Office said. “But they also make sure that the work is done through the lens of community policing. I know that both officers and community residents will be well-served by these grants.”