NCJ Number
188622
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 28 Issue: 3 Dated: March 2001 Pages: 36-40
Date Published
March 2001
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article provides helpful suggestions to law enforcement agencies on how to successfully secure funds for both community and departmental programs.
Abstract
This articles offers law enforcement agencies information on securing funds to assist and supplement departmental budgetary constraints. Lack of funds can lead to under-equipped and understaffed departments, as well community program failures. Grant funds can help overcome some of these deficits. Grants can bring law enforcement extra money needed for hiring officers, pay overtime, purchase equipment, or continuing social programs in the community. This article explains what agencies and types of grants are offered, requirements for writing a grant and guidelines in the grant writing process. Grants come in two basic forms: discretionary grants which are competitive in nature and formula, and block grants, which are awarded based on population and crime rates. Many grants come from the Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of Justice Programs (OJP). Under this office are the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) grants, which include COPS More, the Universal Hiring Program, and school-based partnerships. OJP grants are also available from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), the Office of Violent Crime (OVC), and the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS). Many departments learn about grant opportunities through solicitations they receive from funding agencies and searching the Internet for online applications. It is noted that grants typically only supplement programs, they do not pay for existing services. Before looking for funds, it is recommended having a program or goal in place before beginning the search. The requirements of writing grants may differ. In some cases a proposal may consist of an application and in others it may need to be supplemented by a more in-depth plan. Resources are offered for assistance in researching, writing, and formatting a grant, as well as a guide on web sites for additional funding agencies. When a grant becomes available, it is recommended agencies be prepared to respond immediately and have a team in place to help with technology, information gathering, and an outline with demographics, statistics and more. Funding from grants aid in improving things in the community and helps law enforcement overcome various agency deficits.