President Donald Trump’s recent directive to pause all federal grants and loans is causing confusion and alarm across state and local governments and communities throughout the nation.
It has been well documented that every state budget relies on federal aid, and Trump’s order is likely to impact Department of Justice (DOJ) grants for community policing and local police departments. The impact could be devastating to public safety and health of our communities.
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued a memo instructing federal agencies to halt financial assistance programs to ensure alignment with the administration’s priorities. While the memo exempts Social Security, Medicare, and direct assistance to individuals, it does not specifically mention exemptions for DOJ grants related to community policing. This has led to concerns that funding for local law enforcement initiatives may be disrupted.
Some initial reactions to Trump’s order:
- “Phoenix police and fire departments stand to lose over $35M under Trump federal funding freeze, city says” (12 News)
- “If you care about fighting drug trafficking, this unlawful freeze would hamper the work of task forces that break up drug cartels.” NJ Attorney General Matt Platkin
- “This is far too sweeping and will have an adverse effect on the delivery of services and programs,” Collins said. “I do appreciate that the administration did not apply it to Social Security, Medicare, direct benefit programs. But nevertheless, it does have a large impact on the provision of services and programs.” (Senator Susan Collins, Chair of Appropriations Committe, R- ME)
- “The Trump Administration needs to reverse this reckless and shortsighted decision immediately. It will wreak havoc on Colorado police, and fire departments, schools, and hospitals that depend on federal grants.” (US Senator Mike Bennet, D-CO)
How the Federal Government Supports Local Police and Community Safety
Local law enforcement agencies are critical to maintaining public safety, but many rely on federal programs to enhance their capabilities. The federal government provides significant support through funding, training, and technical assistance, helping police departments address challenges ranging from violent crime to crisis intervention.
In 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) offered over 200 grant programs aimed at enhancing public safety and improving justice system outcomes. These programs are administered through the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office), the Office of Justice Programs (OJP), and the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW).
Since its establishment in 1994, the COPS Office has been appropriated more than $14 billion to advance community policing efforts. This funding has supported various initiatives, including the hiring of additional law enforcement officers, development of community policing strategies, and procurement of essential equipment.
Federal support ensures local law enforcement can meet the evolving challenges of modern policing. By leveraging these programs, police departments can enhance public safety while building stronger, more trusting relationships with the communities they serve.
Below is an overview of key programs and resources offered by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to support local policing and improve community safety.
1. Federal Grant Programs
Federal grants provide essential funding for law enforcement operations. Key programs include:
- Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG): Funds are allocated for a range of activities, such as equipment upgrades, training, and technology improvements. Learn more about JAG.
- COPS Hiring Program (CHP): Supports hiring and retaining officers, with priority given to programs focused on building community trust and reducing violent crime. Explore the COPS Hiring Program.
- Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN): Targets violent crime and fosters community trust through data-driven solutions. More about PSN.
- STOP School Violence Program: Focuses on preventing school violence through training, anonymous reporting systems, and security improvements. Discover STOP School Violence.
2. Training and Technical Assistance
The federal government provides no-cost training and expert support for local departments:
- Collaborative Reform Initiative (CRI): Offers tailored assistance on topics like de-escalation and crisis intervention. Learn about CRI.
- State and Local Anti-Terrorism Training (SLATT): Focuses on counter-terrorism and hate crimes training. Details on SLATT.
3. Specialized Programs and Equipment
Programs address specific community safety needs, often focusing on emerging issues:
- Body-Worn Camera Program: Provides funding for police departments to establish or expand body-camera initiatives. More about the program.
- Patrick Leahy Bulletproof Vest Partnership: Reimburses departments for up to 50% of the cost of bulletproof vests. Explore the partnership.
- Crime Gun Intelligence Centers (CGIC): Funds collaborative efforts to reduce gun-related crime using forensic technology. Learn about CGIC.
4. Mental Health and Crisis Intervention
Recognizing the importance of addressing mental health, federal programs provide targeted assistance:
- Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program: Supports partnerships between law enforcement and mental health professionals. Program details.
- Connect and Protect Program: Funds initiatives to improve law enforcement responses to individuals with mental health or substance use disorders. Read more.
5. Community Policing and Relations
Building trust between law enforcement and communities is a priority:
Community Relations Service: Provides training and mediation to enhance law enforcement-community relations. Explore the service.
Community Policing Development (CPD): Helps agencies adopt community-based policing strategies, including de-escalation and diversity training. More on CPD.
