Legislation & Budget
Executive Order on Safe Policing for Safe Communities
“Law enforcement officers provide the essential protection that all Americans require to raise their families and lead productive lives. The relationship between our fellow citizens and law enforcement officers is an important element in their ability to provide that protection. By working directly with their communities, law enforcement officers can help foster a safe environment where we all can prosper.
Unfortunately, there have been instances in which some officers have misused their authority, challenging the trust of the American people, with tragic consequences for individual victims, their communities, and our Nation. All Americans are entitled to live with the confidence that the law enforcement officers and agencies in their communities will live up to our Nation’s founding ideals and will protect the rights of all persons. Particularly in African-American communities, we must redouble our efforts as a Nation to swiftly address instances of misconduct.”
Attorney General Memorandum on The Commission on Law Enforcement and the Administration of Justice
“On October 28, 2019, President Trump signed Executive Order No. 13896 (the “Order”), which authorized the Attorney General to establish “a Commission on Law Enforcement and the Administration of Justice” (“Commission”). The mission of the Commission is to “study issues related to law enforcement and the administration of justice and to make recommendations to the Attorney General, who shall submit a report and recommendations to the President, on actions that can be taken to prevent, reduce, and control crime, increase respect for the law, and assist victims.” Id. § 3. The Order empowers the Attorney General to establish the Commission and determine its membership and procedures.
This memorandum undertakes these actions consistent with the terms of the Order. The Commission shall comply with the Order and this memorandum in all its operations.”
Congress Proposed Legislation - The JUSTICE Act (Just and Unifying Solutions To Invigorate Communities Everywhere Act of 2020)
“Too many Americans have lost confidence in institutions created for the purpose of keeping our communities safe. To rebuild that lost faith, the JUSTICE Act focuses on police reform, accountability and transparency.
The JUSTICE Act will maintain the Constitutionally-limited role the federal government plays in local law enforcement decisions while still affecting significant change. The bill uses an innovative system of federal grant-related incentives to ensure local and State jurisdictions cease the use of dangerous techniques such as chokeholds, and are reporting significant data about when an officer uses force or a “no knock” warrant is issued.
The bill will increase police access to grants for body-worn cameras and the best possible training when it comes to de-escalation and the duty to intervene.”
Preparing to Apply for COPS Office Funding
In order to apply for COPS Office funding, please prepare by taking the following actions:
STEP 1: Obtain a valid ORI number. If you do not have an ORI, go to https://portal.cops.usdoj.gov/ORIRequest.aspx.
STEP 2: Get a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number by calling 866-705-5711 or visiting fedgov.dnb.com/webform.
STEP 3: Ensure active registration with the System for Award Management (SAM) database (registration must be updated or renewed annually to maintain an active status).
**ALERT: You must submit a notarized letter appointing the authorized Entity Administrator before your registration will be activated. This requirement now applies to both new and existing entities. (www.grants.gov)
STEP 4: Register at Grants.gov and complete form SF-424.
STEP 5: Sign-up for notifications on COPS Office funding opportunities and activities.
STEP 6: If applicable, update agency contacts and users in the Agency Portal.
