WASHINGTON, DC – In an effort to enhance public safety, curb the opioid epidemic, and strengthen Rhode Island communities, U.S. Senator Jack Reed is encouraging local law enforcement departments across the state to apply for federal funding available under the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program.  The application period opens today for three COPS programs: the Community Policing Development (CPD) program; the Anti-Heroin Task Force (AHTF) program; and the COPS Anti-Methamphetamine (CAMP) program.

“Our police officers do an outstanding job keeping our communities safe, and I am committed to ensuring they have the resources and personnel they need to be effective,” said Senator Reed, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee who helped include $225 million for Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) grants in the Fiscal Year 2018 Omnibus Appropriations law, as well as $10 million for states to develop an anti-heroin task forces under the COPS program.  “This federal funding can help local police departments reduce crime, improve public safety, and crack down on the distribution of heroin, methamphetamine, and unlawful prescription opioid distribution.  I encourage communities across Rhode Island to apply for these competitive grants and take advantage of this funding opportunity.” 

The 2018 Community Policing Development Program is designed to advance the practice of community policing in law enforcement agencies through training and technical assistance, the development of innovative community policing strategies, field-directed law enforcement microgrants, guidebooks, and best practices that are national in scope.  The COPS Office, a federal provider of innovative, customer-focused resources that address the continuing and emerging needs of those engaged in enhancing public safety through community policing, has designed the CPD solicitation to address critical topics in the law enforcement field by building on the principles of community policing.  Applications for the CPD program  are due by June 7, 2018.

The 2018 Anti-Heroin Task Force Program is assists state law enforcement agencies in states with high per capita levels of primary treatment admissions for both heroin and other opioids.  AHTF funds shall be used for investigative purposes to locate or investigate illicit activities related to the distribution of heroin or unlawful distribution of prescription opioids.  Applications for the AHTF program are due by June 27, 2018.

The 2018 COPS Anti-Methamphetamine Program is a competitive grant program that advances public safety by providing funds directly to state law enforcement agencies to investigate illicit activities related to the manufacture and distribution of methamphetamine.  Applications for the CAMP program are due by June 27, 2018.

More information about the program and the application process can be found here.