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Newest first across public DOJ and U.S. Attorney press releases.
18 November 2021
Justice Department Awards Grant to Penquis Community Action Agency for Its Opioid Affected Youth InitiativeRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine—A Bangor-based nonprofit organization will receive more than $700,000 from the Department of Justice’s Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), U.S. Attorney Darcie N. McElwee announced. The Penquis Opioid Affected Youth Initiative will provide enhanced services to youth in Penobscot and Piscataquis counties.
“The opioid crisis and current pandemic have significantly impacted Maine’s children and youth,” said U.S. Attorney McElwee. “I am thrilled that the Department of Justice is able to assist Penquis in doing the crucial work of providing services to communities affected by the opioid epidemic.”
Kara Hay, Penquis’s CEO, stated, “Funding from the OJJDP will provide crucial programming for affected youth, supporting the efforts of Penquis and 15 community partners representing health, law enforcement, local government, social service, and victim service agencies. Together, we will deliver trauma-informed and trauma-responsive services, including community resource navigation for children, youth, and adults; engage youth through activity groups and evidence-based programming to increase prosocial skills and resilience; and develop comprehensive community approaches to supporting youth health, safety, and wellbeing.”
Since 1967, Penquis has worked to alleviate and eliminate the causes and conditions of poverty in Maine. As one of 10 community action agencies in Maine, Penquis offers a comprehensive array of youth services including restorative justice, youth engagement, support services for homeless youth and youth at risk of homelessness, and support for youth victims of the opioid crisis. More information is available by visiting www.penquis.org.
OJJDP funding programs support state and community efforts to develop effective prevention and intervention programs and to improve the juvenile justice system. The Opioid Affected Youth Initiative supports the efforts of states, communities, tribal jurisdictions, nonprofit organizations, for-profit organizations, and institutions of higher education to implement programs and strategies that identify, respond to, treat, and support children, youth, and families impacted by the opioid epidemic to ensure public safety. Learn more at www.ojjdp.ojp.gov.
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Justice Department Awards Grant to Penquis Community Action Agency for Its Opioid Affected Youth InitiativeRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: A Bangor-based nonprofit organization will receive more than $700,000 from the Department of Justice’s Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), U.S. Attorney Darcie N. McElwee announced. The Penquis Opioid Affected Youth Initiative will provide enhanced services to youth in Penobscot and Piscataquis counties.
“The opioid crisis and current pandemic have significantly impacted Maine’s children and youth,” said U.S. Attorney McElwee. “I am thrilled that the Department of Justice is able to assist Penquis in doing the crucial work of providing services to communities affected by the opioid epidemic.”
Kara Hay, Penquis’s CEO, stated, “Funding from the OJJDP will provide crucial programming for affected youth, supporting the efforts of Penquis and 15 community partners representing health, law enforcement, local government, social service, and victim service agencies. Together, we will deliver trauma-informed and trauma-responsive services, including community resource navigation for children, youth, and adults; engage youth through activity groups and evidence-based programming to increase prosocial skills and resilience; and develop comprehensive community approaches to supporting youth health, safety, and wellbeing.”
Since 1967, Penquis has worked to alleviate and eliminate the causes and conditions of poverty in Maine. As one of 10 community action agencies in Maine, Penquis offers a comprehensive array of youth services including restorative justice, youth engagement, support services for homeless youth and youth at risk of homelessness, and support for youth victims of the opioid crisis. More information is available by visiting www.penquis.org.
OJJDP funding programs support state and community efforts to develop effective prevention and intervention programs and to improve the juvenile justice system. The Opioid Affected Youth Initiative supports the efforts of states, communities, tribal jurisdictions, nonprofit organizations, for-profit organizations, and institutions of higher education to implement programs and strategies that identify, respond to, treat, and support children, youth, and families impacted by the opioid epidemic to ensure public safety. Learn more at www.ojjdp.ojp.gov.
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Justice Department Announces $139 Million for Law Enforcement to Advance Community PolicingRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The Department of Justice today announced more than $139 million in grant funding through the Department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) COPS Hiring Program (CHP). The awards provide direct funding to 183 law enforcement agencies across the nation, allowing those agencies to hire 1,066 additional full-time law enforcement professionals. Five communities in Rhode Island were awarded funding totaling $750,000.
“We are committed to providing police departments with the resources needed to help ensure community safety and build community trust,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The grants we are announcing today will enable law enforcement agencies across the country to hire more than 1,000 additional officers to support vitally important community oriented policing programs.”
“Our local law enforcement partners play an integral role in the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction strategy,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Richard Myrus. “The COPS hiring program and today’s grants reflect our commitment to local law enforcement, community-based policing, and to the broader goal of keeping the people of Rhode Island safe by reducing violent crime.”
The following Rhode Island communities received awards:
- North Providence - $125,000
- Richmond - $125,000
- Scituate - $125,000
- Smithfield - $125,000
- Tiverton - $250,000
CHP is a competitive award program intended to reduce crime and advance public safety through community policing. CHP provides funds directly to law enforcement agencies to hire new or rehire additional career law enforcement officers, thereby increasing their community policing capacity and crime prevention efforts. Of the 183 agencies awarded grants today, approximately half will use the funding to focus on building legitimacy and trust between law enforcement and communities; 41 agencies will seek to address high rates of gun violence; 21 will focus on other areas of violence; and 19 will focus CHP resources on combating hate and domestic extremism or supporting police-based response to persons in crisis. The complete list of awards can be found here.
Since its creation in 1994, COPS has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and Tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of more than 135,000 officers. CHP, COPS’ flagship program, continues to be in demand today: In FY21, COPS received 590 applications requesting nearly 3,000 law enforcement positions. For FY22, President Biden has requested $537.0 million for CHP, an increase of $300 million.
To learn more about CHP, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/chp-award. For additional information about the COPS Office, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/.
The COPS Office is the federal component of the Department of Justice responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. The only Department of Justice agency with policing in its name, the COPS Office was established in 1994 and has been the cornerstone of the nation’s crime fighting strategy with grants, a variety of knowledge resource products, and training and technical assistance. Through the years, the COPS Office has become the go-to organization for law enforcement agencies across the country and continues to listen to the field and provide the resources that are needed to reduce crime and build trust between law enforcement and the communities served.
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Justice Department Announces $139 Million for Law Enforcement Hiring to Advance Community PolicingRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice today announced more than $139 million in grant funding through the department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) COPS Hiring Program (CHP). The awards provide direct funding to 183 law enforcement agencies across the nation, allowing those agencies to hire 1,066 additional full-time law enforcement professionals.
“We are committed to providing police departments with the resources needed to help ensure community safety and build community trust,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The grants we are announcing today will enable law enforcement agencies across the country to hire more than 1,000 additional officers to support vitally important community oriented policing programs.”
CHP is a competitive award program intended to reduce crime and advance public safety through community policing. CHP provides funds directly to law enforcement agencies to hire new or rehire additional career law enforcement officers, thereby increasing their community policing capacity and crime prevention efforts. Of the 183 agencies awarded grants today, approximately half will use the funding to focus on building legitimacy and trust between law enforcement and communities; 41 agencies will seek to address high rates of gun violence; 21 will focus on other areas of violence; and 19 will focus CHP resources on combating hate and domestic extremism or supporting police-based responses to persons in crisis. The complete list of awards can be found here.
Since its creation in 1994, COPS has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and Tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of more than 135,000 officers. CHP, COPS’ flagship program, continues to be in demand today: In FY21, COPS received 590 applications requesting nearly 3,000 law enforcement positions. For FY22, President Biden has requested $537 million for CHP, an increase of $300 million.
To learn more about CHP, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/chp-award. For additional information about the COPS Office, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/.
The COPS Office is the federal component of the Department of Justice responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. The only Department of Justice agency with policing in its name, the COPS Office was established in 1994 and has been the cornerstone of the nation’s crime fighting strategy with grants, a variety of knowledge resource products, and training and technical assistance. Through the years, the COPS Office has become the go-to organization for law enforcement agencies across the country and continues to listen to the field and provide the resources that are needed to reduce crime and build trust between law enforcement and the communities served.
Justice Department Announces $139 Million for Law Enforcement Hiring to Advance Community PolicingRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Department of Justice today announced more than $139 million in grant funding through the department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) COPS Hiring Program (CHP). The awards provide direct funding to 183 law enforcement agencies across the nation, allowing those agencies to hire 1,066 additional full-time law enforcement professionals. In the Northern District of Alabama one city was awarded funding totaling $241,136.
“We are committed to providing police departments with the resources needed to help ensure community safety and build community trust,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The grants we are announcing today will enable law enforcement agencies across the country to hire more than 1,000 additional officers to support vitally important community oriented policing programs.”
“I am grateful for this additional support that will strengthen the ability of the Fairfield Police Department to protect and serve their community,” said U.S. Attorney Prim Escalona for the Northern District of Alabama. “The demands upon local law enforcement agencies to respond to violent crime and trauma within the community are only increasing. Many law enforcement agencies, other first responders, and victim service providers are struggling to maintain adequate staffing to meet these demands. I am thankful to the Department of Justice and the COPS Office for providing these resources. My office will continue to work with law enforcement and community partners to increase the support and services, which are needed within our community”.
The following city in the Northern District of Alabama received an award:
- City of Fairfield – $241,136
CHP is a competitive award program intended to reduce crime and advance public safety through community policing. CHP provides funds directly to law enforcement agencies to hire new or rehire additional career law enforcement officers, thereby increasing their community policing capacity and crime prevention efforts. Of the 183 agencies awarded grants today, approximately half will use the funding to focus on building legitimacy and trust between law enforcement and communities; 41 agencies will seek to address high rates of gun violence; 21 will focus on other areas of violence; and 19 will focus CHP resources on combating hate and domestic extremism or supporting police-based responses to persons in crisis. The complete list of awards can be found here.
Since its creation in 1994, the COPS Office has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and Tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of more than 135,000 officers. CHP, COPS’ flagship program, continues to be in demand today: In FY21, COPS received 590 applications requesting nearly 3,000 law enforcement positions. For FY22, President Biden has requested $537 million for CHP, an increase of $300 million.
To learn more about CHP, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/chp-award. For additional information about the COPS Office, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/.
The COPS Office is the federal component of the Department of Justice responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. The only Department of Justice agency with policing in its name, the COPS Office was established in 1994 and has been the cornerstone of the nation’s crime fighting strategy with grants, a variety of knowledge resource products, and training and technical assistance. Through the years, the COPS Office has become the go-to organization for law enforcement agencies across the country and continues to listen to the field and provide the resources that are needed to reduce crime and build trust between law enforcement and the communities served.
Justice Department Announces $139 Million for Law Enforcement Hiring to Advance Community PolicingRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK—The Department of Justice today announced more than $139 million in grant funding through the department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) COPS Hiring Program (CHP). The awards provide direct funding to 183 law enforcement agencies across the nation, allowing those agencies to hire 1,066 additional full-time law enforcement professionals. In the Eastern District of Arkansas, the City of Helena-West Helena was awarded funding totaling $1,019,756.
“We are committed to providing police departments with the resources needed to help ensure community safety and build community trust,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The grants we are announcing today will enable law enforcement agencies across the country to hire more than 1,000 additional officers to support vitally important community oriented policing programs.”
U.S. Attorney Jonathan D. Ross states, “This award to the City of Helena-West Helena will have a profound impact in the community and the Helena-West Helena Police Department.” Ross further stated, “An award of this magnitude enables the police department to hire ten additional officers to further enhance their community policing efforts and allow for a more proactive approach in the prevention of crime.”
CHP is a competitive award program intended to reduce crime and advance public safety through community policing. CHP provides funds directly to law enforcement agencies to hire new or rehire additional career law enforcement officers, thereby increasing their community policing capacity and crime prevention efforts. Of the 183 agencies awarded grants today, approximately half will use the funding to focus on building legitimacy and trust between law enforcement and communities; 41 agencies will seek to address high rates of gun violence; 21 will focus on other areas of violence; and 19 will focus CHP resources on combating hate and domestic extremism or supporting police-based responses to persons in crisis. The complete list of awards can be found here.
Since its creation in 1994, COPS has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and Tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of more than 135,000 officers. CHP, COPS’ flagship program, continues to be in demand today: In FY21, COPS received 590 applications requesting nearly 3,000 law enforcement positions. For FY22, President Biden has requested $537 million for CHP, an increase of $300 million.
To learn more about CHP, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/chp-award. For additional information about the COPS Office, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/.
The COPS Office is the federal component of the Department of Justice responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. The only Department of Justice agency with policing in its name, the COPS Office was established in 1994 and has been the cornerstone of the nation’s crime fighting strategy with grants, a variety of knowledge resource products, and training and technical assistance. Through the years, the COPS Office has become the go-to organization for law enforcement agencies across the country and continues to listen to the field and provide the resources that are needed to reduce crime and build trust between law enforcement and the communities served.
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This news release, as well as additional information about the office of the
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at
https://www.justice.gov/edar
Twitter:
@EDARNEWS
Justice Department Announces $139 Million for Law Enforcement Hiring to Advance Community PolicingRead the Press Release
FORT SMITH, Ark. – The Department of Justice today announced more than $139 million in grant funding through the department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) COPS Hiring Program (CHP). The awards provide direct funding to 183 law enforcement agencies across the nation, allowing those agencies to hire 1,066 additional full-time law enforcement professionals. In the Western District of Arkansas, the city of Hot Springs was awarded funding totaling $625,000.00
“We are committed to providing police departments with the resources needed to help ensure community safety and build community trust,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The grants we are announcing today will enable law enforcement agencies across the country to hire more than 1,000 additional officers to support vitally important community oriented policing programs.”
“We are so proud of the efforts that the Hot Springs Police Department has taken to combat the rising tide of violent crime in the Western District of Arkansas,” said United States Attorney David Clay Fowlkes. “This award reflects both their hard work in this area and their deep commitment to help protect our communities. We look forward to the future of working together with the Hot Springs Police Department and other agencies throughout Western Arkansas to accomplish these important goals.”
The CHP is a competitive award program intended to reduce crime and advance public safety through community policing. CHP provides funds directly to law enforcement agencies to hire new or rehire additional career law enforcement officers, thereby increasing their community policing capacity and crime prevention efforts. Of the 183 agencies awarded grants today, approximately half will use the funding to focus on building legitimacy and trust between law enforcement and communities; 41 agencies will seek to address high rates of gun violence; 21 will focus on other areas of violence; and 19 will focus CHP resources on combating hate and domestic extremism or supporting police-based responses to persons in crisis. The complete list of awards can be found here.
Since its creation in 1994, COPS has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and Tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of more than 135,000 officers. CHP, COPS’ flagship program, continues to be in demand today: In FY21, COPS received 590 applications requesting nearly 3,000 law enforcement positions. For FY22, President Biden has requested $537.0 million for CHP, an increase of $300 million.
To learn more about CHP, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/chp. For additional information about the COPS Office, please visit www.cops.usdoj.gov.
The COPS Office is the federal component of the Department of Justice responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. The only Department of Justice agency with policing in its name, the COPS Office was established in 1994 and has been the cornerstone of the nation’s crime fighting strategy with grants, a variety of knowledge resource products, and training and technical assistance. Through the years, the COPS Office has become the go-to organization for law enforcement agencies across the country and continues to listen to the field and provide the resources that are needed to reduce crime and build trust between law enforcement and the communities served.
Justice Department Announces $139 Million for Law Enforcement Hiring to Advance Community PolicingRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – The Department of Justice today announced more than $139 million in grant funding through the department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) COPS Hiring Program (CHP). The awards provide direct funding to 183 law enforcement agencies across the nation, allowing those agencies to hire 1,066 additional full-time law enforcement professionals. In the District of Arizona, two agencies were awarded funding totaling $750,000.
“We are committed to providing police departments with the resources needed to help ensure community safety and build community trust,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The grants we are announcing today will enable law enforcement agencies across the country to hire more than 1,000 additional officers to support vitally important community oriented policing programs.”
The following law enforcement agencies in Arizona received awards:
- City of Glendale – $500,000
- La Paz County - $250,000
CHP is a competitive award program intended to reduce crime and advance public safety through community policing. CHP provides funds directly to law enforcement agencies to hire new or rehire additional career law enforcement officers, thereby increasing their community policing capacity and crime prevention efforts. Of the 183 agencies awarded grants today, approximately half will use the funding to focus on building legitimacy and trust between law enforcement and communities; 41 agencies will seek to address high rates of gun violence; 21 will focus on other areas of violence; and 19 will focus CHP resources on combating hate and domestic extremism or supporting police-based response to persons in crisis. The complete list of awards can be found here.
Since its creation in 1994, COPS has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and Tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of more than 135,000 officers. CHP, COPS’ flagship program, continues to be in demand today: In FY21, COPS received 590 applications requesting nearly 3,000 law enforcement positions. For FY22, President Biden has requested $537 million for CHP, an increase of $300 million.
To learn more about CHP, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/chp-award. For additional information about the COPS Office, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/.
The COPS Office is the federal component of the Department of Justice responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. The only Department of Justice agency with policing in its name, the COPS Office was established in 1994 and has been the cornerstone of the nation’s crime fighting strategy with grants, a variety of knowledge resource products, and training and technical assistance. Through the years, the COPS Office has become the go-to organization for law enforcement agencies across the country and continues to listen to the field and provide the resources that are needed to reduce crime and build trust between law enforcement and the communities served.
RELEASE NUMBER: 2021-085_Community Policing Funding
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.- City of Glendale – $500,000
Justice Department Announces $139 Million for Law Enforcement Hiring to Advance Community PolicingRead the Press Release
Sacramento, Calif. – The Department of Justice today announced more than $139 million in grant funding through the department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) COPS Hiring Program. The awards provide direct funding to 183 law enforcement agencies across the nation, allowing those agencies to hire 1,066 additional fulltime law enforcement professionals. In the Eastern District of California, two cities were awarded funding totaling $2,138,709.
“We are committed to providing police departments with the resources needed to help ensure community safety and build community trust,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The grants we are announcing today will enable law enforcement agencies across the country to hire more than 1,000 additional officers to support vitally important community oriented policing programs.”
The following cities in the Eastern District of California received awards: The City of Etna in Siskiyou County received $263,709 to fund one position and the City of Sacramento received $1,875,000 to fund 15 positions.
The COPS Hiring Program is a competitive award program intended to reduce crime and advance public safety through community policing. The COPS Hiring Program provides funds directly to law enforcement agencies to hire new or rehire additional career law enforcement officers, thereby increasing their community policing capacity and crime prevention efforts. Of the 183 agencies awarded grants today, approximately half will use the funding to focus on building legitimacy and trust between law enforcement and communities; 41 agencies will seek to address high rates of gun violence; 21 will focus on other areas of violence; and 19 will focus COPS Hiring Program resources on combating hate and domestic extremism or supporting police-based responses to persons in crisis. The complete list of awards can be found here.
Since its creation in 1994, COPS has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of more than 135,000 officers. The COPS Hiring Program, COPS’ flagship program, continues to be in demand today: In fiscal year 2021, COPS received 590 applications requesting nearly 3,000 law enforcement positions. For fiscal year 2022, President Biden has requested $537 million for COPS Hiring Program, an increase of $300 million.
To learn more about the COPS Hiring Program, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/chp-award. For additional information about the COPS Office, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/.
The COPS Office is the federal component of the Department of Justice responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. The only Department of Justice agency with policing in its name, the COPS Office was established in 1994 and has been the cornerstone of the nation’s crime fighting strategy with grants, a variety of knowledge resource products, and training and technical assistance. Through the years, the COPS Office has become the go-to organization for law enforcement agencies across the country and continues to listen to the field and provide the resources that are needed to reduce crime and build trust between law enforcement and the communities served.
Justice Department Announces $139 Million for Law Enforcement Hiring to Advance Community PolicingRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – The Department of Justice today announced more than $139 million in grant funding through the department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) COPS Hiring Program (CHP). The awards provide direct funding to 183 law enforcement agencies across the nation, allowing those agencies to hire 1,066 additional full-time law enforcement professionals. In the Northern District of California, San Francisco County received $6,250,000 and Alameda County received $375,000 for a total of $6,625,000 in funding.
“We are committed to providing police departments with the resources needed to help ensure community safety and build community trust,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The grants we are announcing today will enable law enforcement agencies across the country to hire more than 1,000 additional officers to support vitally important community oriented policing programs.”
“Community policing is proven to be a valuable tool in crime prevention,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Stephanie M. Hinds. “The millions of dollars in funding from the Department of Justice that is being announced today represents critical resources to enhance the capacity for community policing programs in our neighborhoods. We are proud to announce the availability of these funds to ensure that community policing will remain an integral part of a comprehensive crime prevention strategy.”
CHP is a competitive award program intended to reduce crime and advance public safety through community policing. CHP provides funds directly to law enforcement agencies to hire new or rehire additional career law enforcement officers, thereby increasing their community policing capacity and crime prevention efforts. Of the 183 agencies awarded grants today, approximately half will use the funding to focus on building legitimacy and trust between law enforcement and communities; 41 agencies will seek to address high rates of gun violence; 21 will focus on other areas of violence; and 19 will focus CHP resources on combating hate and domestic extremism or supporting police-based responses to persons in crisis. The complete list of awards can be found here.
Since its creation in 1994, COPS has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and Tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of more than 135,000 officers. CHP, COPS’ flagship program, continues to be in demand today: In FY21, COPS received 590 applications requesting nearly 3,000 law enforcement positions. For FY22, President Biden has requested $537 million for CHP, an increase of $300 million.
To learn more about CHP, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/chp-award. For additional information about the COPS Office, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/.
The COPS Office is the federal component of the Department of Justice responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. The only Department of Justice agency with policing in its name, the COPS Office was established in 1994 and has been the cornerstone of the nation’s crime fighting strategy with grants, a variety of knowledge resource products, and training and technical assistance. Through the years, the COPS Office has become the go-to organization for law enforcement agencies across the country and continues to listen to the field and provide the resources that are needed to reduce crime and build trust between law enforcement and the communities served.
Justice Department Announces $139 Million for Law Enforcement Hiring to Advance Community PolicingRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The Department of Justice today announced more than $139 million in grant funding through the department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) COPS Hiring Program (CHP). The awards provide direct funding to 183 law enforcement agencies across the nation, allowing those agencies to hire 1,066 additional full-time law enforcement professionals. In Connecticut, the City of Hartford will receive $1,875,000 to hire 15 officers.
“We are committed to providing police departments with the resources needed to help ensure community safety and build community trust,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The grants we are announcing today will enable law enforcement agencies across the country to hire more than 1,000 additional officers to support vitally important community oriented policing programs.”
“This substantial COPS Hiring Program award to the city of Hartford will allow the Hartford Police Department to replenish its ranks to fight crime,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Leonard C Boyle. “Federal law enforcement will continue to work with HPD to make our capitol city safer for all who live, work and visit there.”
CHP is a competitive award program intended to reduce crime and advance public safety through community policing. CHP provides funds directly to law enforcement agencies to hire new or rehire additional career law enforcement officers, thereby increasing their community policing capacity and crime prevention efforts. Of the 183 agencies awarded grants today, approximately half will use the funding to focus on building legitimacy and trust between law enforcement and communities; 41 agencies will seek to address high rates of gun violence; 21 will focus on other areas of violence; and 19 will focus CHP resources on combating hate and domestic extremism or supporting police-based responses to persons in crisis. The complete list of awards can be found here.
Since its creation in 1994, COPS has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and Tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of more than 135,000 officers. CHP, COPS’ flagship program, continues to be in demand today: In FY21, COPS received 590 applications requesting nearly 3,000 law enforcement positions. For FY22, President Biden has requested $537 million for CHP, an increase of $300 million.
To learn more about CHP, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/chp-award. For additional information about the COPS Office, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/.
The COPS Office is the federal component of the Department of Justice responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. The only Department of Justice agency with policing in its name, the COPS Office was established in 1994 and has been the cornerstone of the nation’s crime fighting strategy with grants, a variety of knowledge resource products, and training and technical assistance. Through the years, the COPS Office has become the go-to organization for law enforcement agencies across the country and continues to listen to the field and provide the resources that are needed to reduce crime and build trust between law enforcement and the communities served.
Justice Department Announces $139 Million for Law Enforcement Hiring to Advance Community PolicingRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, Del. – The Department of Justice today announced more than $139 million in grant funding through the department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) COPS Hiring Program (CHP). The awards provide direct funding to 183 law enforcement agencies across the nation, allowing those agencies to hire 1,066 additional full-time law enforcement professionals. In the District of Delaware, the Town of Smyrna was awarded funding totaling $125,000.
“We are committed to providing police departments with the resources needed to help ensure community safety and build community trust,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The grants we are announcing today will enable law enforcement agencies across the country to hire more than 1,000 additional officers to support vitally important community oriented policing programs.”
U.S. Attorney David C. Weiss stated, “The COPS Hiring Program underscores the Department’s commitment to investing in prevention and intervention programs in our communities. With this award, the Town of Smyrna will be able to devote additional resources to educate the community about the pitfalls of substance use.”
CHP is a competitive award program intended to reduce crime and advance public safety through community policing. CHP provides funds directly to law enforcement agencies to hire new or rehire additional career law enforcement officers, thereby increasing their community policing capacity and crime prevention efforts. Of the 183 agencies awarded grants today, approximately half will use the funding to focus on building legitimacy and trust between law enforcement and communities; 41 agencies will seek to address high rates of gun violence; 21 will focus on other areas of violence; and 19 will focus CHP resources on combating hate and domestic extremism or supporting police-based responses to persons in crisis. The complete list of awards can be found here.
Since its creation in 1994, COPS has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and Tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of more than 135,000 officers. CHP, COPS’ flagship program, continues to be in demand today: In FY21, COPS received 590 applications requesting nearly 3,000 law enforcement positions. For FY22, President Biden has requested $537 million for CHP, an increase of $300 million.
To learn more about CHP, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/chp-award. For additional information about the COPS Office, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/.
The COPS Office is the federal component of the Department of Justice responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. The only Department of Justice agency with policing in its name, the COPS Office was established in 1994 and has been the cornerstone of the nation’s crime fighting strategy with grants, a variety of knowledge resource products, and training and technical assistance. Through the years, the COPS Office has become the go-to organization for law enforcement agencies across the country and continues to listen to the field and provide the resources that are needed to reduce crime and build trust between law enforcement and the communities served.
Justice Department Announces $139 Million for Law Enforcement Hiring to Advance Community PolicingRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The Department of Justice today announced more than $139 million in grant funding through the department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) COPS Hiring Program (CHP). The awards provide direct funding to 183 law enforcement agencies across the nation, allowing those agencies to hire 1,066 additional full-time law enforcement professionals. In the Northern District of Iowa, two cities were awarded funding totaling $250,000.
“We are committed to providing police departments with the resources needed to help ensure community safety and build community trust,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The grants we are announcing today will enable law enforcement agencies across the country to hire more than 1,000 additional officers to support vitally important community oriented policing programs.”
The following cities in the Northern District of Iowa received awards:
- Dysart – $125,000
- Sheldon – $125,000
“The grants awarded to Dysart and Sheldon will provide those cities the opportunity to hire officers who will further develop community oriented policing programs. Each city will be made safer by doing so,” said Acting United States Attorney Sean R. Berry.
CHP is a competitive award program intended to reduce crime and advance public safety through community policing. CHP provides funds directly to law enforcement agencies to hire new or rehire additional career law enforcement officers, thereby increasing their community policing capacity and crime prevention efforts. Of the 183 agencies awarded grants today, approximately half will use the funding to focus on building legitimacy and trust between law enforcement and communities; 41 agencies will seek to address high rates of gun violence; 21 will focus on other areas of violence; and 19 will focus CHP resources on combating hate and domestic extremism or supporting police-based responses to persons in crisis. The complete list of awards can be found here.
Since its creation in 1994, COPS has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and Tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of more than 135,000 officers. CHP, COPS’ flagship program, continues to be in demand today: In FY21, COPS received 590 applications requesting nearly 3,000 law enforcement positions. For FY22, President Biden has requested $537 million for CHP, an increase of $300 million.
To learn more about CHP, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/chp-award. For additional information about the COPS Office, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/.
The COPS Office is the federal component of the Department of Justice responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. The only Department of Justice agency with policing in its name, the COPS Office was established in 1994 and has been the cornerstone of the nation’s crime fighting strategy with grants, a variety of knowledge resource products, and training and technical assistance. Through the years, the COPS Office has become the go-to organization for law enforcement agencies across the country and continues to listen to the field and provide the resources that are needed to reduce crime and build trust between law enforcement and the communities served.
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Justice Department Announces $139 Million for Law Enforcement Hiring to Advance Community PolicingRead the Press Release
BOISE – The Department of Justice today announced more than $139 million in grant funding through the department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) COPS Hiring Program (CHP). The awards provide direct funding to 183 law enforcement agencies across the nation, allowing those agencies to hire 1,066 additional full-time law enforcement professionals. In the District of Idaho two cities were awarded funding totaling $750,000.
“We are committed to providing police departments with the resources needed to help ensure community safety and build community trust,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The grants we are announcing today will enable law enforcement agencies across the country to hire more than 1,000 additional officers to support vitally important community oriented policing programs.”
Here, in the District of Idaho, the City of Nampa received an award of $250,000, and the City of Twin Falls received an award of $500,000.
“A police department’s most valuable assets are the men and women who put their lives on the line every day in the name of protecting and serving,” said Nampa Police Chief Joe Huff. “This grant will help our department with the resources and support we need. The funding will contribute to expanding community policing efforts in our city. We are just thrilled to receive this competitive grant.”
“I’m elated that the Twin Falls Police Department is a recipient of the 2021 COPS Hiring Grant,” said Twin Falls Police Chief Craig Kingsbury. “This will allow the City of Twin Falls to add four new officers and assist us in continuing with our connection-based and community oriented policing strategies in our growing community.”
“This critical investment will extend far beyond the creation of law enforcement jobs. It will strengthen relationships between officers and our community, improve public safety, and keep law enforcement officers on the beat,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Rafael M. Gonzalez, Jr. “I want to thank Chiefs Huff and Kingsbury and their officers for their dedication to making our cities safer. Partnerships take time, effort, and resources, and these funds will help expand innovative community policing efforts already in play in Nampa and Twin Falls,” he concluded.
CHP is a competitive award program intended to reduce crime and advance public safety through community policing. CHP provides funds directly to law enforcement agencies to hire new or rehire additional career law enforcement officers, thereby increasing their community policing capacity and crime prevention efforts. Of the 183 agencies awarded grants today, approximately half will use the funding to focus on building legitimacy and trust between law enforcement and communities; 41 agencies will seek to address high rates of gun violence; 21 will focus on other areas of violence; and 19 will focus CHP resources on combating hate and domestic extremism or supporting police-based responses to persons in crisis. The complete list of awards can be found here.
Since its creation in 1994, COPS has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and Tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of more than 135,000 officers. CHP, COPS’ flagship program, continues to be in demand today: In fiscal year 2021, COPS received 590 applications requesting nearly 3,000 law enforcement positions. For fiscal year 2022, President Biden has requested $537 million for CHP, an increase of $300 million.
To learn more about CHP, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/chp-award. For additional information about the COPS Office, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/.
The COPS Office is the federal component of the Department of Justice responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. The only Department of Justice agency with policing in its name, the COPS Office was established in 1994 and has been the cornerstone of the nation’s crime fighting strategy with grants, a variety of knowledge resource products, and training and technical assistance. Through the years, the COPS Office has become the go-to organization for law enforcement agencies across the country and continues to listen to the field and provide the resources that are needed to reduce crime and build trust between law enforcement and the communities served.
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Justice Department Announces $139 Million for Law Enforcement Hiring to Advance Community PolicingRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The Department of Justice today announced more than $139 million in grant funding through the department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) COPS Hiring Program (CHP). The awards provide direct funding to 183 law enforcement agencies across the nation, allowing those agencies to hire 1,066 additional full-time law enforcement professionals. In the Northern District of Indiana three (3) cities/towns were awarded funding totaling $370,639.
“We are committed to providing police departments with the resources needed to help ensure community safety and build community trust,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The grants we are announcing today will enable law enforcement agencies across the country to hire more than 1,000 additional officers to support vitally important community oriented policing programs.”
“The awards announced today will benefit residents of the Northern District by putting additional officers on the street,” said United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
The following city and towns in the Northern District of Indiana received awards:
- City of Crown Point in Lake County received $125,000;
- Town of Cedar Lake in Lake County received $125,000; and
- Town of LaPaz, in Marshall County received $120,369.
CHP is a competitive award program intended to reduce crime and advance public safety through community policing. CHP provides funds directly to law enforcement agencies to hire new or rehire additional career law enforcement officers, thereby increasing their community policing capacity and crime prevention efforts. Of the 183 agencies awarded grants today, approximately half will use the funding to focus on building legitimacy and trust between law enforcement and communities; 41 agencies will seek to address high rates of gun violence; 21 will focus on other areas of violence; and 19 will focus CHP resources on combating hate and domestic extremism or supporting police-based responses to persons in crisis. The complete list of awards can be found here.
Since its creation in 1994, COPS has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and Tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of more than 135,000 officers. CHP, COPS’ flagship program, continues to be in demand today: In FY21, COPS received 590 applications requesting nearly 3,000 law enforcement positions. For FY22, President Biden has requested $537 million for CHP, an increase of $300 million.
To learn more about CHP, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/chp-award. For additional information about the COPS Office, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/.
The COPS Office is the federal component of the Department of Justice responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. The only Department of Justice agency with policing in its name, the COPS Office was established in 1994 and has been the cornerstone of the nation’s crime fighting strategy with grants, a variety of knowledge resource products, and training and technical assistance. Through the years, the COPS Office has become the go-to organization for law enforcement agencies across the country and continues to listen to the field and provide the resources that are needed to reduce crime and build trust between law enforcement and the communities served.
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Justice Department Announces $139 Million for Law Enforcement Hiring to Advance Community PolicingRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The Department of Justice today announced more than $139 million in grant funding through the department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) COPS Hiring Program (CHP). The awards provide direct funding to 183 law enforcement agencies across the nation, allowing those agencies to hire 1,066 additional full-time law enforcement professionals. In the Southern District of Indiana one city was awarded funding totaling $375,000.
“We are committed to providing police departments with the resources needed to help ensure community safety and build community trust,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The grants we are announcing today will enable law enforcement agencies across the country to hire more than 1,000 additional officers to support vitally important community oriented policing programs.”
“The funds awarded to the City of Muncie to hire additional police officers is an important investment in the safety of the citizens of Muncie as well as the police department that serves them,” said U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Myers.
The following city in the Southern District of Indiana received awards:
- City of Muncie – $375,000
CHP is a competitive award program intended to reduce crime and advance public safety through community policing. CHP provides funds directly to law enforcement agencies to hire new or rehire additional career law enforcement officers, thereby increasing their community policing capacity and crime prevention efforts. Of the 183 agencies awarded grants today, approximately half will use the funding to focus on building legitimacy and trust between law enforcement and communities; 41 agencies will seek to address high rates of gun violence; 21 will focus on other areas of violence; and 19 will focus CHP resources on combating hate and domestic extremism or supporting police-based responses to persons in crisis. The complete list of awards can be found here.
Since its creation in 1994, COPS has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and Tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of more than 135,000 officers. CHP, COPS’ flagship program, continues to be in demand today: In FY21, COPS received 590 applications requesting nearly 3,000 law enforcement positions. For FY22, President Biden has requested $537 million for CHP, an increase of $300 million.
To learn more about CHP, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/chp-award. For additional information about the COPS Office, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/ .
The COPS Office is the federal component of the Department of Justice responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. The only Department of Justice agency with policing in its name, the COPS Office was established in 1994 and has been the cornerstone of the nation’s crime fighting strategy with grants, a variety of knowledge resource products, and training and technical assistance. Through the years, the COPS Office has become the go-to organization for law enforcement agencies across the country and continues to listen to the field and provide the resources that are needed to reduce crime and build trust between law enforcement and the communities served.
- City of Muncie – $375,000
Justice Department Announces $139 Million for Law Enforcement Hiring to Advance Community PolicingRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The Department of Justice today announced more than $139 million in grant funding through the Department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) COPS Hiring Program (CHP). The awards provide direct funding to 183 law enforcement agencies across the nation, allowing those agencies to hire 1,066 additional full-time law enforcement professionals. In the Eastern District of Louisiana (4) municipalities were awarded funding totaling more than $8 million.
“We are committed to providing police departments with the resources needed to help ensure community safety and build community trust,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The grants we are announcing today will enable law enforcement agencies across the country to hire more than 1,000 additional officers to support vitally important community oriented policing programs.”
“From our District’s eclectic and vibrant urban cityscapes to our quaint and rustic rural localities, we all in some capacity have been affected by violent crime and its secondary effects on our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. “These award announcements highlight the commitment from the Department of Justice to afford state and local partners funding to hire the personnel needed to enhance public safety, combat violent crime, and most importantly nurture community relationships through community policing efforts within our District.”
The following cities, towns or municipalities in the Eastern District of Louisiana received awards:
- City of Bogalusa: $219,088
- City of New Orleans: $7,266,305
- Village of Tangipahoa : $125,000
- Terrebonne Parish Consolidate Government: $500,000
CHP is a competitive award program intended to reduce crime and advance public safety through community policing. CHP provides funds directly to law enforcement agencies to hire new or rehire additional career law enforcement officers, thereby increasing their community policing capacity and crime prevention efforts. Of the 183 agencies awarded grants today, approximately half will use the funding to focus on building legitimacy and trust between law enforcement and communities; 41 agencies will seek to address high rates of gun violence; 21 will focus on other areas of violence; and 19 will focus CHP resources on combating hate and domestic extremism or supporting police-based responses to persons in crisis. The complete list of awards can be found here.
Since its creation in 1994, COPS has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and Tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of more than 135,000 officers. CHP, COPS’ flagship program, continues to be in demand today: In FY21, COPS received 590 applications requesting nearly 3,000 law enforcement positions. For FY22, President Biden has requested $537 million for CHP, an increase of $300 million.
To learn more about CHP, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/chp-award. For additional information about the COPS Office, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/.
The COPS Office is the federal component of the Department of Justice responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. The only Department of Justice agency with policing in its name, the COPS Office was established in 1994 and has been the cornerstone of the nation’s crime fighting strategy with grants, a variety of knowledge resource products, and training and technical assistance. Through the years, the COPS Office has become the go-to organization for law enforcement agencies across the country and continues to listen to the field and provide the resources that are needed to reduce crime and build trust between law enforcement and the communities served.
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Justice Department Announces $139 Million for Law Enforcement Hiring to Advance Community PolicingRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice today announced more than $139 million in grant funding through the department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) COPS Hiring Program (CHP). The awards provide direct funding to 183 law enforcement agencies across the nation, allowing those agencies to hire 1,066 additional full-time law enforcement professionals. In the Eastern District of Michigan 2 cities were awarded funding totaling $559,030.
“We are committed to providing police departments with the resources needed to help ensure community safety and build community trust,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The grants we are announcing today will enable law enforcement agencies across the country to hire more than 1,000 additional officers to support vitally important community oriented policing programs.”
“I am excited to announce these awards which will provide much needed funding to hire additional police officers in these communities,” said Acting United States Attorney Saima Mohsin. “Protecting the public is our top priority and with crime rates soaring across the nation we are supporting our communities by increasing the capacity of law enforcement agencies to implement community policing strategies that strengthen partnerships for safer communities and enhance law enforcement’s capacity to prevent, solve, and control crime through funding for additional officers.”
The following city/town in the Eastern District of Michigan received awards:
- City of Hamtramck – $434,030
- West Branch - $125,000
CHP is a competitive award program intended to reduce crime and advance public safety through community policing. CHP provides funds directly to law enforcement agencies to hire new or rehire additional career law enforcement officers, thereby increasing their community policing capacity and crime prevention efforts. Of the 183 agencies awarded grants today, approximately half will use the funding to focus on building legitimacy and trust between law enforcement and communities; 41 agencies will seek to address high rates of gun violence; 21 will focus on other areas of violence; and 19 will focus CHP resources on combating hate and domestic extremism or supporting police-based responses to persons in crisis. The complete list of awards can be found here.
Since its creation in 1994, COPS has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and Tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of more than 135,000 officers. CHP, COPS’ flagship program, continues to be in demand today: In FY21, COPS received 590 applications requesting nearly 3,000 law enforcement positions. For FY22, President Biden has requested $537 million for CHP, an increase of $300 million.
To learn more about CHP, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/chp-award. For additional information about the COPS Office, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/.
The COPS Office is the federal component of the Department of Justice responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. The only Department of Justice agency with policing in its name, the COPS Office was established in 1994 and has been the cornerstone of the nation’s crime fighting strategy with grants, a variety of knowledge resource products, and training and technical assistance. Through the years, the COPS Office has become the go-to organization for law enforcement agencies across the country and continues to listen to the field and provide the resources that are needed to reduce crime and build trust between law enforcement and the communities served.
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Justice Department Announces $139 Million for Law Enforcement Hiring to Advance Community PolicingRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Department of Justice today announced more than $139 million in grant funding through the department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) COPS Hiring Program. The awards provide direct funding to 183 law enforcement agencies across the nation, allowing those agencies to hire 1,066 additional full-time law enforcement professionals.
In the Western District of Missouri, three cities were awarded funding totaling $481,262 to hire five additional police officers and cover associated law enforcement expenses.
“This federal funding will enable four cities in our district to put more cops on the beat and in the community, working to proactively address the root causes of crime,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Teresa Moore. “Community policing relies on the relationship between police officers and citizens to reduce crime and violence. As a result of the grants announced today, police departments in these four cities will more efficiently focus on building trust and strengthening relationships in the communities they serve.”
“We are committed to providing police departments with the resources needed to help ensure community safety and build community trust,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The grants we are announcing today will enable law enforcement agencies across the country to hire more than 1,000 additional officers to support vitally important community oriented policing programs.”
The following cities in the Western District of Missouri received awards:
Crocker – $97,063
Lake Lafayette – $70,532
Webb City – $313,667
The COPS Hiring Program is a competitive award program intended to reduce crime and advance public safety through community policing. CHP provides funds directly to law enforcement agencies to hire new or rehire additional career law enforcement officers, thereby increasing their community policing capacity and crime prevention efforts. Of the 183 agencies awarded grants today, approximately half will use the funding to focus on building legitimacy and trust between law enforcement and communities; 41 agencies will seek to address high rates of gun violence; 21 will focus on other areas of violence; and 19 will focus CHP resources on combating hate and domestic extremism or supporting police-based responses to persons in crisis. The complete list of awards can be found here.
Since its creation in 1994, COPS has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and Tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of more than 135,000 officers. CHP, COPS’ flagship program, continues to be in demand today: In FY21, COPS received 590 applications requesting nearly 3,000 law enforcement positions. For FY22, President Biden has requested $537 million for CHP, an increase of $300 million.
To learn more about CHP, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/chp-award. For additional information about the COPS Office, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/.
The COPS Office is the federal component of the Department of Justice responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. The only Department of Justice agency with policing in its name, the COPS Office was established in 1994 and has been the cornerstone of the nation’s crime fighting strategy with grants, a variety of knowledge resource products, and training and technical assistance. Through the years, the COPS Office has become the go-to organization for law enforcement agencies across the country and continues to listen to the field and provide the resources that are needed to reduce crime and build trust between law enforcement and the communities served.
Justice Department Announces $139 Million for Law Enforcement Hiring to Advance Community PolicingRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The Department of Justice today announced more than $139 million in grant funding through the Department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) COPS Hiring Program (CHP). The awards provide direct funding to 183 law enforcement agencies across the nation, allowing those agencies to hire 1,066 additional full-time law enforcement professionals. In the Middle District of North Carolina, three municipalities were awarded funding totaling $1,615,698.00.
“We are committed to providing police departments with the resources needed to help ensure community safety and build community trust,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The grants we are announcing today will enable law enforcement agencies across the country to hire more than 1,000 additional officers to support vitally important community oriented policing programs.”
“Our law enforcement partners in the Middle District have worked increasingly hard to tackle the rise in gun violence and violent crime in recent years. We are excited that they will be receiving additional federal resources through this grant to continue keeping their communities safe and to hire additional personnel who will focus on community policing,” said Acting US Attorney Sandra Hairston.
The following cities or towns in the Middle District of North Carolina received awards:
- Biscoe, Town of $115,698
- Burlington, City of $750,000
- Graham, City of (Inc.) $750,000
CHP is a competitive award program intended to reduce crime and advance public safety through community policing. CHP provides funds directly to law enforcement agencies to hire new or rehire additional career law enforcement officers, thereby increasing their community policing capacity and crime prevention efforts. Of the 183 agencies awarded grants today, approximately half will use the funding to focus on building legitimacy and trust between law enforcement and communities; 41 agencies will seek to address high rates of gun violence; 21 will focus on other areas of violence; and 19 will focus CHP resources on combating hate and domestic extremism or supporting police-based responses to persons in crisis. The complete list of awards can be found here.
Since its creation in 1994, COPS has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and Tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of more than 135,000 officers. CHP, COPS’ flagship program, continues to be in demand today: In FY21, COPS received 590 applications requesting nearly 3,000 law enforcement positions. For FY22, President Biden has requested $537 million for CHP, an increase of $300 million.
To learn more about CHP, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/chp-award. For additional information about the COPS Office, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/.
The COPS Office is the federal component of the Department of Justice responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. The only Department of Justice agency with policing in its name, the COPS Office was established in 1994 and has been the cornerstone of the nation’s crime fighting strategy with grants, a variety of knowledge resource products, and training and technical assistance. Through the years, the COPS Office has become the go-to organization for law enforcement agencies across the country and continues to listen to the field and provide the resources that are needed to reduce crime and build trust between law enforcement and the communities served.
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Justice Department Announces $139 Million for Law Enforcement Hiring to Advance Community PolicingRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The Department of Justice today announced more than $139 million in grant funding through the department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) COPS Hiring Program (CHP). The awards provide direct funding to 183 law enforcement agencies across the nation, allowing those agencies to hire 1,066 additional full-time law enforcement professionals. In the District of New Hampshire, three towns were awarded funding totaling $500,000.
“We are committed to providing police departments with the resources needed to help ensure community safety and build community trust,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The grants we are announcing today will enable law enforcement agencies across the country to hire more than 1,000 additional officers to support vitally important community oriented policing programs.”
“To keep New Hampshire safe, it is important to have qualified and committed police officers working in our local communities,” said Acting U.S. Attorney John J. Farley. “These grant funds will provide valuable funds so three towns can hire additional police officers. These additional officers will enhance community policing efforts and help us in our ongoing work to reduce crime and protect public safety in the Granite State.”
The following towns in New Hampshire received awards:
- Town of Epping - $125,000
- Town of Groveton - $125,000
- Town of Salem - $250,000
CHP is a competitive award program intended to reduce crime and advance public safety through community policing. CHP provides funds directly to law enforcement agencies to hire new or rehire additional career law enforcement officers, thereby increasing their community policing capacity and crime prevention efforts. Of the 183 agencies awarded grants today, approximately half will use the funding to focus on building legitimacy and trust between law enforcement and communities; 41 agencies will seek to address high rates of gun violence; 21 will focus on other areas of violence; and 19 will focus CHP resources on combating hate and domestic extremism or supporting police-based responses to persons in crisis. The complete list of awards can be found here.
Since its creation in 1994, COPS has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and Tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of more than 135,000 officers. CHP, COPS’ flagship program, continues to be in demand today: In FY21, COPS received 590 applications requesting nearly 3,000 law enforcement positions. For FY22, President Biden has requested $537 million for CHP, an increase of $300 million.
To learn more about CHP, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/chp-award. For additional information about the COPS Office, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/.
The COPS Office is the federal component of the Department of Justice responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. The only Department of Justice agency with policing in its name, the COPS Office was established in 1994 and has been the cornerstone of the nation’s crime fighting strategy with grants, a variety of knowledge resource products, and training and technical assistance. Through the years, the COPS Office has become the go-to organization for law enforcement agencies across the country and continues to listen to the field and provide the resources that are needed to reduce crime and build trust between law enforcement and the communities served.
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Justice Department Announces $139 Million for Law Enforcement Hiring to Advance Community PolicingRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – The Department of Justice today announced more than $139 million in grant funding through the department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) COPS Hiring Program (CHP). The awards provide direct funding to 183 law enforcement agencies across the nation, allowing those agencies to hire 1,066 additional full-time law enforcement professionals. In the District of New Jersey, five municipalities and one county police department were awarded funding totaling $11,784,672.
“We are committed to providing police departments with the resources needed to help ensure community safety and build community trust,” Attorney General Merrick B. Garland said. “The grants we are announcing today will enable law enforcement agencies across the country to hire more than 1,000 additional officers to support vitally important community oriented policing programs.”
“The funding announced today will help make our neighborhoods safer and build trust between local law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve,” Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig said. “Community-oriented policing has led to great strides in many of our New Jersey communities, and we look forward to continuing to strengthen those programs moving forward.”
The following police agencies in the District of New Jersey received awards:
Municipality Number of Officers Amount
Bayonne, City of
12
$1,500,000
Camden County Police Department
20
$2,500,000
New Brunswick, City of
6
$2,262,576
Paterson, City of
20
$3,772,096
Plainfield, City of
10
$1,250,000
Prospect Park, Borough of
4
$500,000
CHP is a competitive award program intended to reduce crime and advance public safety through community policing. CHP provides funds directly to law enforcement agencies to hire new or rehire additional career law enforcement officers, thereby increasing their community policing capacity and crime prevention efforts. Of the 183 agencies awarded grants today, approximately half will use the funding to focus on building legitimacy and trust between law enforcement and communities; 41 agencies will seek to address high rates of gun violence; 21 will focus on other areas of violence; and 19 will focus CHP resources on combating hate and domestic extremism or supporting police-based responses to persons in crisis. The complete list of awards can be found here.
Since its creation in 1994, COPS has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and Tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of more than 135,000 officers. CHP, COPS’ flagship program, continues to be in demand today: In FY21, COPS received 590 applications requesting nearly 3,000 law enforcement positions. For FY22, President Biden has requested $537 million for CHP, an increase of $300 million.
To learn more about CHP, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/chp-award. For additional information about the COPS Office, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/.
The COPS Office is the federal component of the Department of Justice responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. The only Department of Justice agency with policing in its name, the COPS Office was established in 1994 and has been the cornerstone of the nation’s crime fighting strategy with grants, a variety of knowledge resource products, and training and technical assistance. Through the years, the COPS Office has become the go-to organization for law enforcement agencies across the country and continues to listen to the field and provide the resources that are needed to reduce crime and build trust between law enforcement and the communities served.
Justice Department Announces $139 Million for Law Enforcement Hiring to Advance Community PolicingRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The Department of Justice today announced more than $139 million in grant funding through the department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Hiring Program. The awards provide direct funding to 183 law enforcement agencies across the country, allowing those agencies to hire 1,066 additional full-time law enforcement professionals.
In the Northern District of New York, the City of Schenectady was awarded $125,000, and St. Lawrence County was awarded $125,000.
“We are committed to providing police departments with the resources needed to help ensure community safety and build community trust,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The grants we are announcing today will enable law enforcement agencies across the country to hire more than 1,000 additional officers to support vitally important community oriented policing programs.”
“We are proud that two of our law enforcement partners, in the City of Schenectady and in St. Lawrence County, received substantial awards that will allow them to devote more resources to proactive, community policing,” said United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman. “The COPS Hiring Program exemplifies our commitment to invest in prevention and intervention programs in our communities, as we simultaneously work to investigate and prosecute the most significant bad actors in our cities and counties.”
The COPS Hiring Program (CHP) is a competitive award program intended to reduce crime and advance public safety through community policing. CHP provides funds directly to law enforcement agencies to hire new or rehire additional career law enforcement officers, thereby increasing their community policing capacity and crime prevention efforts. Of the 183 agencies awarded grants today, approximately half will use the funding to focus on building legitimacy and trust between law enforcement and communities; 41 agencies will seek to address high rates of gun violence; 21 will focus on other areas of violence; and 19 will focus CHP resources on combating hate and domestic extremism or supporting police-based response to persons in crisis. The complete list of awards can be found here.
Since its creation in 1994, COPS has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and Tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of more than 135,000 officers. CHP, COPS’ flagship program, continues to be in demand today: In fiscal year 2021, COPS received 590 applications requesting nearly 3,000 law enforcement positions. For fiscal year 2022, President Biden has requested $537 million for CHP, an increase of $300 million.
To learn more about CHP, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/chp-award. For additional information about the COPS Office, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/.
The COPS Office is the federal component of the Department of Justice responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. The only Department of Justice agency with policing in its name, the COPS Office was established in 1994 and has been the cornerstone of the nation’s crime fighting strategy with grants, a variety of knowledge resource products, and training and technical assistance. Through the years, the COPS Office has become the go-to organization for law enforcement agencies across the country and continues to listen to the field and provide the resources that are needed to reduce crime and build trust between law enforcement and the communities served.
Justice Department Announces $139 Million for Law Enforcement Hiring to Advance Community PolicingRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON— The Department of Justice today announced more than $139 million in grant funding through the department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) COPS Hiring Program (CHP). The awards provide direct funding to 183 law enforcement agencies across the nation, allowing those agencies to hire 1,066 additional full-time law enforcement professionals. In Oregon, three cities were awarded a total of $625,000.
“We are committed to providing police departments with the resources needed to help ensure community safety and build community trust,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The grants we are announcing today will enable law enforcement agencies across the country to hire more than 1,000 additional officers to support vitally important community oriented policing programs.”
“I am pleased to join Attorney General Garland today in making this important announcement. At a time when many police departments in Oregon and across the country are experiencing reduced or stagnant budgets, I am pleased to see three local agencies receive the funding they need to hire additional officers. Effective community oriented policing programs require, first and foremost, adequate staffing,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Scott Erik Asphaug.
The following cities in Oregon received awards:
- City of Hermiston – $125,000
- City of John Day – $375,000
- City of Reedsport – $125,000
CHP is a competitive award program intended to reduce crime and advance public safety through community policing. CHP provides funds directly to law enforcement agencies to hire new or rehire additional career law enforcement officers, thereby increasing their community policing capacity and crime prevention efforts. Of the 183 agencies awarded grants today, approximately half will use the funding to focus on building legitimacy and trust between law enforcement and communities; 41 agencies will seek to address high rates of gun violence; 21 will focus on other areas of violence; and 19 will focus CHP resources on combating hate and domestic extremism or supporting police-based response to persons in crisis. The complete list of awards can be found here.
Since its creation in 1994, COPS has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and Tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of more than 135,000 officers. CHP, COPS’ flagship program, continues to be in demand today: In FY21, COPS received 590 applications requesting nearly 3,000 law enforcement positions. For FY22, President Biden has requested $537 million for CHP, an increase of $300 million.
To learn more about CHP, please visit www.cops.usdoj.gov/chp. For additional information about the COPS Office, please visit www.cops.usdoj.gov.
The COPS Office is the federal component of the Department of Justice responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. The only Department of Justice agency with policing in its name, the COPS Office was established in 1994 and has been the cornerstone of the nation’s crime fighting strategy with grants, a variety of knowledge resource products, and training and technical assistance. Through the years, the COPS Office has become the go-to organization for law enforcement agencies across the country and continues to listen to the field and provide the resources that are needed to reduce crime and build trust between law enforcement and the communities served.
Justice Department Announces $139 Million for Law Enforcement Hiring to Advance Community PolicingRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The Department of Justice today announced more than $139 million in grant funding through the department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) COPS Hiring Program (CHP). The awards provide direct funding to 183 law enforcement agencies across the nation, allowing those agencies to hire 1,066 additional full-time law enforcement professionals. Five municipalities in the District of Puerto Rico were awarded funding totaling $5,320,807.
“We are committed to providing police departments with the resources needed to help ensure community safety and build community trust,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The grants we are announcing today will enable law enforcement agencies across the country to hire more than 1,000 additional officers to support vitally important community oriented policing programs.”
“These funds will help law enforcement develop and implement strategies to increase public safety,” said W. Stephen Muldrow, U. S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “In addition to the CHP funds going to five municipalities, the Puerto Rico Mental Health and Anti-Addiction Services Administration (ASSMCA) received an award of $1,171,200 through the Bureau of Justice Assistance Harold Rogers Prescription Drug Monitoring Program for the Puerto Rico Prescription Drug Monitoring Program. In October, Casa Protegida Julia De Burgos was granted $475,000 for Transitional Housing, a program from the Office on Violence Against Women. These grants allow recipients to respond to the diverse needs within our District by streamlining access to federal resources for those communities in need.”
The following municipalities in Puerto Rico received awards under the CHP: Naranjito, Sabana Grande, San Lorenzo, Toa Alta, and Yabucoa. The awards were divided as follows:
- Naranjito – $84,446
- Sabana Grande - $626,724
- San Lorenzo - $1,154,074
- Toa Alta - $1,207,023
- Yabucoa - $2,248,540
CHP is a competitive award program intended to reduce crime and advance public safety through community policing. CHP provides funds directly to law enforcement agencies to hire new or rehire additional career law enforcement officers, thereby increasing their community policing capacity and crime prevention efforts. Of the 183 agencies awarded grants today, approximately half will use the funding to focus on building legitimacy and trust between law enforcement and communities; 41 agencies will seek to address high rates of gun violence; 21 will focus on other areas of violence; and 19 will focus CHP resources on combating hate and domestic extremism or supporting police-based responses to persons in crisis. The complete list of awards can be found here.
Since its creation in 1994, COPS has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and Tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of more than 135,000 officers. CHP, COPS’ flagship program, continues to be in demand today: In FY21, COPS received 590 applications requesting nearly 3,000 law enforcement positions. For FY22, President Biden has requested $537 million for CHP, an increase of $300 million.
To learn more about CHP, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/chp-award. For additional information about the COPS Office, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/.
The COPS Office is the federal component of the Department of Justice responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. The only Department of Justice agency with policing in its name, the COPS Office was established in 1994 and has been the cornerstone of the nation’s crime fighting strategy with grants, a variety of knowledge resource products, and training and technical assistance. Through the years, the COPS Office has become the go-to organization for law enforcement agencies across the country and continues to listen to the field and provide the resources that are needed to reduce crime and build trust between law enforcement and the communities served.
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Justice Department Announces $139 Million for Law Enforcement Hiring to Advance Community PolicingRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – The Department of Justice today announced more than $139 million in grant funding through the department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) COPS Hiring Program (CHP). The awards provide direct funding to 183 law enforcement agencies across the nation, allowing those agencies to hire 1,066 additional full-time law enforcement professionals. In the Western District of Tennessee, the City of Ripley was awarded funding totaling $316,620.
"We are committed to providing police departments with the resources needed to help ensure community safety and build community trust," said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. "The grants we are announcing today will enable law enforcement agencies across the country to hire more than 1,000 additional officers to support vitally important community oriented policing programs."
"The COPS grant programs" said Joe Murphy, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, "provides support to local law enforcement agencies that allows them to hire additional officers. The grant award to the Ripley, Tennessee Police Department funds three additional police officers. This will help reduce crime in Ripley and make that community safer."
CHP is a competitive award program intended to reduce crime and advance public safety through community policing. CHP provides funds directly to law enforcement agencies to hire new or rehire additional career law enforcement officers, thereby increasing their community policing capacity and crime prevention efforts. Of the 183 agencies awarded grants today, approximately half will use the funding to focus on building legitimacy and trust between law enforcement and communities; 41 agencies will seek to address high rates of gun violence; 21 will focus on other areas of violence; and 19 will focus CHP resources on combating hate anddomestic extremism or supporting police-based responses to persons in crisis. The complete list of awards can be found here.
Since its creation in 1994, COPS has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and Tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of more than 135,000 officers. CHP, COPS’ flagship program, continues to be in demand today: In FY21, COPS received 590 applicationsrequesting nearly 3,000 law enforcement positions. For FY22, President Biden has requested $537 million for CHP, an increase of $300 million.
To learn more about CHP, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/chp-award. For additional information about the COPS Office, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/.
The COPS Office is the federal component of the Department of Justice responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. The only Department of Justice agency with policing in its name, the COPS Office was established in 1994 and has been the cornerstone of the nation’s crime fighting strategy with grants, a variety of knowledge resource products, and training and technical assistance. Through the years, the COPS Office has become the go-to organization for law enforcement agencies across the country and continues to listen to the field and provide the resources that are needed to reduce crime and build trust between law enforcement and the communities served.
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Justice Department Announces $139 Million for Law Enforcement Hiring to Advance Community PolicingRead the Press Release
WACO – The Department of Justice today announced more than $139 million in grant funding through the department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) COPS Hiring Program (CHP). The awards provide direct funding to 183 law enforcement agencies across the nation, allowing those agencies to hire 1,066 additional full-time law enforcement professionals. In the Western District of Texas, Waco was awarded funding totaling $1.5 million.
“We are committed to providing police departments with the resources needed to help ensure community safety and build community trust,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The grants we are announcing today will enable law enforcement agencies across the country to hire more than 1,000 additional officers to support vitally important community oriented policing programs.”
“This grant will provide 12 more police officers in the Waco community,” said U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff. “This is a wonderful opportunity that helps law enforcement continue protecting and building trust with the citizens of Waco.”
CHP is a competitive award program intended to reduce crime and advance public safety through community policing. CHP provides funds directly to law enforcement agencies to hire new or rehire additional career law enforcement officers, thereby increasing their community policing capacity and crime prevention efforts. Of the 183 agencies awarded grants today, approximately half will use the funding to focus on building legitimacy and trust between law enforcement and communities; 41 agencies will seek to address high rates of gun violence; 21 will focus on other areas of violence; and 19 will focus CHP resources on combating hate and domestic extremism or supporting police-based responses to persons in crisis. The complete list of awards can be found here.
Since its creation in 1994, COPS has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and Tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of more than 135,000 officers. CHP, COPS’ flagship program, continues to be in demand today: In FY21, COPS received 590 applications requesting nearly 3,000 law enforcement positions. For FY22, President Biden has requested $537 million for CHP, an increase of $300 million.
To learn more about CHP, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/chp-award. For additional information about the COPS Office, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/.
The COPS Office is the federal component of the Department of Justice responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. The only Department of Justice agency with policing in its name, the COPS Office was established in 1994 and has been the cornerstone of the nation’s crime fighting strategy with grants, a variety of knowledge resource products, and training and technical assistance. Through the years, the COPS Office has become the go-to organization for law enforcement agencies across the country and continues to listen to the field and provide the resources that are needed to reduce crime and build trust between law enforcement and the communities served.
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Justice Department Announces $139 Million for Law Enforcement Hiring to Advance Community PolicingRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The Department of Justice today announced more than $139 million in grant funding through the department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) COPS Hiring Program (CHP). The awards provide direct funding to 183 law enforcement agencies across the nation, allowing those agencies to hire 1,066 additional full-time law enforcement professionals. In the District of Utah, three municipalities were awarded funding totaling $813,436.00.
“We are committed to providing police departments with the resources needed to help ensure community safety and build community trust,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The grants we are announcing today will enable law enforcement agencies across the country to hire more than 1,000 additional officers to support vitally important community oriented policing programs.”
“Community oriented policing is vital to community safety and building trust between law enforcement and the community,” said Acting United States Attorney Andrea T. Martinez.”
The following municipalities in Utah received awards:
- North Park Police Department - $125,000.00
- City of Orem - $500,000.00
- San Juan County - $188,436.00
CHP is a competitive award program intended to reduce crime and advance public safety through community policing. CHP provides funds directly to law enforcement agencies to hire new or rehire additional career law enforcement officers, thereby increasing their community policing capacity and crime prevention efforts. Of the 183 agencies awarded grants today, approximately half will use the funding to focus on building legitimacy and trust between law enforcement and communities; 41 agencies will seek to address high rates of gun violence; 21 will focus on other areas of violence; and 19 will focus CHP resources on combating hate and domestic extremism or supporting police-based responses to persons in crisis. The complete list of awards can be found here.
Since its creation in 1994, COPS has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and Tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of more than 135,000 officers. CHP, COPS’ flagship program, continues to be in demand today: In FY21, COPS received 590 applications requesting nearly 3,000 law enforcement positions. For FY22, President Biden has requested $537 million for CHP, an increase of $300 million.
To learn more about CHP, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/chp-award. For additional information about the COPS Office, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/.
The COPS Office is the federal component of the Department of Justice responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. The only Department of Justice agency with policing in its name, the COPS Office was established in 1994 and has been the cornerstone of the nation’s crime fighting strategy with grants, a variety of knowledge resource products, and training and technical assistance. Through the years, the COPS Office has become the go-to organization for law enforcement agencies across the country and continues to listen to the field and provide the resources that are needed to reduce crime and build trust between law enforcement and the communities served.
Justice Department Announces $139 Million for Law Enforcement Hiring to Advance Community PolicingRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice today announced more than $139 million in grant funding through the department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) COPS Hiring Program (CHP). The awards provide direct funding to 183 law enforcement agencies across the nation, allowing those agencies to hire 1,066 additional full-time law enforcement professionals. In the District of Vermont, two awards were granted totaling $248,257.00.
“We are committed to providing police departments with the resources needed to help ensure community safety and build community trust,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The grants we are announcing today will enable law enforcement agencies across the country to hire more than 1,000 additional officers to support vitally important community oriented policing programs.”
The following recipients received awards in Vermont: • Town of Bristol - $125,000.00
• Essex County Courthouse - $123,257.00CHP is a competitive award program intended to reduce crime and advance public safety through community policing. CHP provides funds directly to law enforcement agencies to hire new or rehire additional career law enforcement officers, thereby increasing their community policing capacity and crime prevention efforts. Of the 183 agencies awarded grants today, approximately half will use the funding to focus on building legitimacy and trust between law enforcement and communities; 41 agencies will seek to address high rates of gun violence; 21 will focus on other areas of violence; and 19 will focus CHP resources on combating hate and domestic extremism or supporting police-based responses to persons in crisis. The complete list of awards can be found here.
Since its creation in 1994, COPS has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and Tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of more than 135,000 officers. CHP, COPS’ flagship program, continues to be in demand today: In FY21, COPS received 590 applications requesting nearly 3,000 law enforcement positions. For FY22, President Biden has requested $537 million for CHP, an increase of $300 million.
To learn more about CHP, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/chp-award. For additional information about the COPS Office, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/. The COPS Office is the federal component of the Department of Justice responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. The only Department of Justice agency with policing in its name, the COPS Office was established in 1994 and has been the cornerstone of the nation’s crime fighting strategy with grants, a variety of knowledge resource products, and training and technical assistance. Through the years, the COPS Office has become the go-to organization for law enforcement agencies across the country and continues to listen to the field and provide the resources that are needed to reduce crime and build trust between law enforcement and the communities served.
Justice Department Announces $139 Million for Law Enforcement Hiring to Advance Community PolicingRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The Department of Justice today announced more than $139 million in grant funding through the department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) COPS Hiring Program (CHP). The awards provide direct funding to 183 law enforcement agencies across the nation, allowing those agencies to hire 1,066 additional full-time law enforcement professionals.
“We are committed to providing police departments with the resources needed to help ensure community safety and build community trust,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The grants we are announcing today will enable law enforcement agencies across the country to hire more than 1,000 additional officers to support vitally important community oriented policing programs.”
United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II is proud to announce that, in the Northern District of West Virginia, Berkeley County Council was awarded $500,000.
“This funding will allow Berkeley County to hire more deputies to continue its great work. Our law enforcement partners are vital in maintaining safety in our communities and deserve our support,” said Ihlenfeld.
CHP is a competitive award program intended to reduce crime and advance public safety through community policing. CHP provides funds directly to law enforcement agencies to hire new or rehire additional career law enforcement officers, thereby increasing their community policing capacity and crime prevention efforts. Of the 183 agencies awarded grants today, approximately half will use the funding to focus on building legitimacy and trust between law enforcement and communities; 41 agencies will seek to address high rates of gun violence; 21 will focus on other areas of violence; and 19 will focus CHP resources on combating hate and domestic extremism or supporting police-based responses to persons in crisis. The complete list of awards can be found here.
Since its creation in 1994, COPS has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and Tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of more than 135,000 officers. CHP, COPS’ flagship program, continues to be in demand today: In FY21, COPS received 590 applications requesting nearly 3,000 law enforcement positions. For FY22, President Biden has requested $537 million for CHP, an increase of $300 million.
To learn more about CHP, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/chp-award. For additional information about the COPS Office, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/.
The COPS Office is the federal component of the Department of Justice responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. The only Department of Justice agency with policing in its name, the COPS Office was established in 1994 and has been the cornerstone of the nation’s crime fighting strategy with grants, a variety of knowledge resource products, and training and technical assistance. Through the years, the COPS Office has become the go-to organization for law enforcement agencies across the country and continues to listen to the field and provide the resources that are needed to reduce crime and build trust between law enforcement and the communities served.
Justice Department Announces $139 Million for Law Enforcement Hiring to Advance Community Policing $750,000 Awarded to Law Enforcement Agencies in the District of MaineRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: The Department of Justice today announced more than $139 million in grant funding through the department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) COPS Hiring Program (CHP). The awards provide direct funding to 183 law enforcement agencies across the nation, allowing those agencies to hire 1,066 additional full-time law enforcement professionals. In the District of Maine, three towns and one county were awarded funding totaling $750,000.
“We are committed to providing police departments with the resources needed to help ensure community safety and build community trust,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The grants we are announcing today will enable law enforcement agencies across the country to hire more than 1,000 additional officers to support vitally important community oriented policing programs.”
“Given the many challenges Maine communities are facing during pandemic times, community policing is more important than ever,” said U.S. Attorney Darcie N. McElwee. “I am so pleased to see four Maine agencies will receive these resources, and I commend them for pursuing this wise law enforcement strategy.”
The following towns and county in Maine received awards:
- Aroostook County – $375,000
- Town of Ashland – $125,000
- Town of North Berwick – $125,000
- Town of Sanford – $125,000
CHP is a competitive award program intended to reduce crime and advance public safety through community policing. CHP provides funds directly to law enforcement agencies to hire new or rehire additional career law enforcement officers, thereby increasing their community policing capacity and crime prevention efforts. Of the 183 agencies awarded grants today, approximately half will use the funding to focus on building legitimacy and trust between law enforcement and communities; 41 agencies will seek to address high rates of gun violence; 21 will focus on other areas of violence; and 19 will focus CHP resources on combating hate and domestic extremism or supporting police-based response to persons in crisis. The complete list of awards can be found here.
Since its creation in 1994, COPS has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and Tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of more than 135,000 officers. CHP, COPS’ flagship program, continues to be in demand today: In FY21, COPS received 590 applications requesting nearly 3,000 law enforcement positions. For FY22, President Biden has requested $537.0 million for CHP, an increase of $300 million.
To learn more about CHP, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/chp-award. For additional information about the COPS Office, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/.
The COPS Office is the federal component of the Department of Justice responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. The only Department of Justice agency with policing in its name, the COPS Office was established in 1994 and has been the cornerstone of the nation’s crime fighting strategy with grants, a variety of knowledge resource products, and training and technical assistance. Through the years, the COPS Office has become the go-to organization for law enforcement agencies across the country and continues to listen to the field and provide the resources that are needed to reduce crime and build trust between law enforcement and the communities served.
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Justice Department Announces $139 Million for Law Enforcement Hiring to Advance Community PolicingRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: The Department of Justice today announced more than $139 million in grant funding through the department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) COPS Hiring Program (CHP). The awards provide direct funding to 183 law enforcement agencies across the nation, allowing those agencies to hire 1,066 additional full-time law enforcement professionals. In the District of Maine, three towns and one county were awarded funding totaling $750,000.
“We are committed to providing police departments with the resources needed to help ensure community safety and build community trust,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The grants we are announcing today will enable law enforcement agencies across the country to hire more than 1,000 additional officers to support vitally important community oriented policing programs.”
“Given the many challenges Maine communities are facing during pandemic times, community policing is more important than ever,” said U.S. Attorney Darcie N. McElwee. “I am so pleased to see four Maine agencies will receive these resources, and I commend them for pursuing this wise law enforcement strategy.”
The following towns and county in Maine received awards:
- Aroostook County – $375,000
- Town of Ashland – $125,000
- Town of North Berwick – $125,000
- Town of Sanford – $125,000
CHP is a competitive award program intended to reduce crime and advance public safety through community policing. CHP provides funds directly to law enforcement agencies to hire new or rehire additional career law enforcement officers, thereby increasing their community policing capacity and crime prevention efforts. Of the 183 agencies awarded grants today, approximately half will use the funding to focus on building legitimacy and trust between law enforcement and communities; 41 agencies will seek to address high rates of gun violence; 21 will focus on other areas of violence; and 19 will focus CHP resources on combating hate and domestic extremism or supporting police-based response to persons in crisis. The complete list of awards can be found here.
Since its creation in 1994, COPS has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and Tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of more than 135,000 officers. CHP, COPS’ flagship program, continues to be in demand today: In FY21, COPS received 590 applications requesting nearly 3,000 law enforcement positions. For FY22, President Biden has requested $537.0 million for CHP, an increase of $300 million.
To learn more about CHP, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/chp-award. For additional information about the COPS Office, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/.
The COPS Office is the federal component of the Department of Justice responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. The only Department of Justice agency with policing in its name, the COPS Office was established in 1994 and has been the cornerstone of the nation’s crime fighting strategy with grants, a variety of knowledge resource products, and training and technical assistance. Through the years, the COPS Office has become the go-to organization for law enforcement agencies across the country and continues to listen to the field and provide the resources that are needed to reduce crime and build trust between law enforcement and the communities served.
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Justice Department Announces $139 Million for Law Enforcement Hiring to Advance Community PolicingRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The Department of Justice today announced more than $139 million in grant funding through the department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) COPS Hiring Program (CHP). The awards provide direct funding to 183 law enforcement agencies across the nation, allowing those agencies to hire 1,066 additional full-time law enforcement professionals.
The District of Columbia government and the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) were awarded $3,125,00.
“We are committed to providing police departments with the resources needed to help ensure community safety and build community trust,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The grants we are announcing today will enable law enforcement agencies across the country to hire more than 1,000 additional officers to support vitally important community oriented policing programs.”
“Public safety is our highest priority at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia,” said U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves. “Our law enforcement partners show enormous dedication each and every day and we are pleased to support their mission through this grants program. By working with them and our community, we hope to make our neighborhoods more secure.”
CHP is a competitive award program intended to reduce crime and advance public safety through community policing. CHP provides funds directly to law enforcement agencies to hire new or rehire additional career law enforcement officers, thereby increasing their community policing capacity and crime prevention efforts. Of the 183 agencies awarded grants today, approximately half will use the funding to focus on building legitimacy and trust between law enforcement and communities; 41 agencies will seek to address high rates of gun violence; 21 will focus on other areas of violence; and 19 will focus CHP resources on combating hate and domestic extremism or supporting police-based responses to persons in crisis. The complete list of awards can be found here.
Since its creation in 1994, COPS has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and Tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of more than 135,000 officers. CHP, COPS’ flagship program, continues to be in demand today: In FY21, COPS received 590 applications requesting nearly 3,000 law enforcement positions. For FY22, President Biden has requested $537 million for CHP, an increase of $300 million.
To learn more about CHP, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/chp-award. For additional information about the COPS Office, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/.
The COPS Office is the federal component of the Department of Justice responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. The only Department of Justice agency with policing in its name, the COPS Office was established in 1994 and has been the cornerstone of the nation’s crime fighting strategy with grants, a variety of knowledge resource products, and training and technical assistance. Through the years, the COPS Office has become the go-to organization for law enforcement agencies across the country and continues to listen to the field and provide the resources that are needed to reduce crime and build trust between law enforcement and the communities served.
Justice Department Announces $139 Million for Law Enforcement Hiring to Advance Community PolicingRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – The Department of Justice today announced more than $139 million in grant funding through the department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) COPS Hiring Program (CHP). The awards provide direct funding to 183 law enforcement agencies across the nation, allowing those agencies to hire 1,066 additional full-time law enforcement professionals. In the Middle District of Florida three agencies were awarded funding totaling $3,250,000.
“We are committed to providing police departments with the resources needed to help ensure community safety and build community trust,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The grants we are announcing today will enable law enforcement agencies across the country to hire more than 1,000 additional officers to support vitally important community oriented policing programs.”
The following agencies in the Middle District of Florida received awards:
- City of Fort Myers - $1,750,000
- City of Tampa - $1,250,000
- Putnam County - $250,000
CHP is a competitive award program intended to reduce crime and advance public safety through community policing. CHP provides funds directly to law enforcement agencies to hire new or rehire additional career law enforcement officers, thereby increasing their community policing capacity and crime prevention efforts. Of the 183 agencies awarded grants today, approximately half will use the funding to focus on building legitimacy and trust between law enforcement and communities; 41 agencies will seek to address high rates of gun violence; 21 will focus on other areas of violence; and 19 will focus CHP resources on combating hate and domestic extremism or supporting police-based responses to persons in crisis. The complete list of awards can be found here.
Since its creation in 1994, COPS has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and Tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of more than 135,000 officers. CHP, COPS’ flagship program, continues to be in demand today: In FY21, COPS received 590 applications requesting nearly 3,000 law enforcement positions. For FY22, President Biden has requested $537 million for CHP, an increase of $300 million.
To learn more about CHP, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/chp-award. For additional information about the COPS Office, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/.
The COPS Office is the federal component of the Department of Justice responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. The only Department of Justice agency with policing in its name, the COPS Office was established in 1994 and has been the cornerstone of the nation’s crime fighting strategy with grants, a variety of knowledge resource products, and training and technical assistance. Through the years, the COPS Office has become the go-to organization for law enforcement agencies across the country and continues to listen to the field and provide the resources that are needed to reduce crime and build trust between law enforcement and the communities served.
Justice Department Announces $139 Million for Law Enforcement Hiring to Advance Community PolicingRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – The Department of Justice today announced more than $139 million in grant funding through the department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) COPS Hiring Program (CHP). The awards provide direct funding to 183 law enforcement agencies across the nation, allowing those agencies to hire 1,066 additional full-time law enforcement professionals. In the District of Nevada, three law enforcement agencies were awarded funding totaling $750,000.
“We are committed to providing police departments with the resources needed to help ensure community safety and build community trust,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The grants we are announcing today will enable law enforcement agencies across the country to hire more than 1,000 additional officers to support vitally important community oriented policing programs.”
“The District of Nevada appreciates this grant from the COPS Office to help safeguard our communities and schools,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada. “These funds are an important step towards reducing violence and increasing community policing capacity in Nevada and across the country.”
The following law enforcement agencies in Nevada received awards:
• Nevada System of Higher Education —– $125,000
• Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe —– $125,000
• City of Sparks —– $500,000
CHP is a competitive award program intended to reduce crime and advance public safety through community policing. CHP provides funds directly to law enforcement agencies to hire new or rehire additional career law enforcement officers, thereby increasing their community policing capacity and crime prevention efforts. Of the 183 agencies awarded grants today, approximately half will use the funding to focus on building legitimacy and trust between law enforcement and communities; 41 agencies will seek to address high rates of gun violence; 21 will focus on other areas of violence; and 19 will focus CHP resources on combating hate and domestic extremism or supporting police-based responses to persons in crisis. The complete list of awards can be found here.
Since its creation in 1994, COPS has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and Tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of more than 135,000 officers. CHP, COPS’ flagship program, continues to be in demand today: In FY21, COPS received 590 applications requesting nearly 3,000 law enforcement positions. For FY22, President Biden has requested $537 million for CHP, an increase of $300 million.
To learn more about CHP, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/chp-award. For additional information about the COPS Office, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/.
The COPS Office is the federal component of the Department of Justice responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. The only Department of Justice agency with policing in its name, the COPS Office was established in 1994 and has been the cornerstone of the nation’s crime fighting strategy with grants, a variety of knowledge resource products, and training and technical assistance. Through the years, the COPS Office has become the go-to organization for law enforcement agencies across the country and continues to listen to the field and provide the resources that are needed to reduce crime and build trust between law enforcement and the communities served.
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Justice Department Announces $139 Million for Law Enforcement Hiring to Advance Community PolicingRead the Press Release
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The Department of Justice today announced more than $139 million in grant funding through the department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) COPS Hiring Program (CHP). The awards provide direct funding to 183 law enforcement agencies across the nation, allowing those agencies to hire 1,066 additional full-time law enforcement professionals. In the Eastern District of Tennessee, Lenoir City was awarded funding totaling $375,000.
“We are committed to providing police departments with the resources needed to help ensure community safety and build community trust,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The grants we are announcing today will enable law enforcement agencies across the country to hire more than 1,000 additional officers to support vitally important community oriented policing programs.”
“Our office is proud to announce the 2021 Cops Hiring Program Grant award to Lenoir City in the Eastern District of Tennessee. Applications for this award were received from 590 law enforcement agencies in nearly every state. The funding that Lenoir City will receive will support the hiring of career law enforcement officers to address community policing needs,” said Acting United States Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III.
CHP is a competitive award program intended to reduce crime and advance public safety through community policing. CHP provides funds directly to law enforcement agencies to hire new or rehire additional career law enforcement officers, thereby increasing their community policing capacity and crime prevention efforts. Of the 183 agencies awarded grants today, approximately half will use the funding to focus on building legitimacy and trust between law enforcement and communities; 41 agencies will seek to address high rates of gun violence; 21 will focus on other areas of violence; and 19 will focus CHP resources on combating hate and domestic extremism or supporting police-based responses to persons in crisis. The complete list of awards can be found here.
Since its creation in 1994, COPS has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and Tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of more than 135,000 officers. CHP, COPS’ flagship program, continues to be in demand today: In FY21, COPS received 590 applications requesting nearly 3,000 law enforcement positions. For FY22, President Biden has requested $537 million for CHP, an increase of $300 million.
To learn more about CHP, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/chp-awards. For additional information about the COPS Office, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/.
The COPS Office is the federal component of the Department of Justice responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. The only Department of Justice agency with policing in its name, the COPS Office was established in 1994 and has been the cornerstone of the nation’s crime fighting strategy with grants, a variety of knowledge resource products, and training and technical assistance. Through the years, the COPS Office has become the go-to organization for law enforcement agencies across the country and continues to listen to the field and provide the resources that are needed to reduce crime and build trust between law enforcement and the communities served.
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Justice Department Announces $139 Million for Law Enforcement Hiring to Advance Community PolicingRead the Press Release
$1.25 Million Awarded to Law Enforcement Agencies in the Western District of Michigan
WASHINGTON – The Department of Justice today announced more than $139 million in grant funding through the department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) COPS Hiring Program (CHP). The awards provide direct funding to 183 law enforcement agencies across the nation, allowing those agencies to hire 1,066 additional full-time law enforcement professionals. In the Western District of Michigan two cities were awarded funding totaling $1,250,0000.
“We are committed to providing police departments with the resources needed to help ensure community safety and build community trust,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The grants we are announcing today will enable law enforcement agencies across the country to hire more than 1,000 additional officers to support vitally important community oriented policing programs.”
The following cities in the Western District of Michigan received awards:
- City of Battle Creek – $500,000
- City of Wyoming – $750,000
“These awards are welcome news for our law enforcement partners in Battle Creek and Wyoming,” said Andrew Birge, United States Attorney for the Western District of Michigan. “The resources come at an important time. The direct funding will help them secure the safety and well-being of their communities in a way that fosters trust in law enforcement.”
CHP is a competitive award program intended to reduce crime and advance public safety through community policing. CHP provides funds directly to law enforcement agencies to hire new or rehire additional career law enforcement officers, thereby increasing their community policing capacity and crime prevention efforts. Of the 183 agencies awarded grants today, approximately half will use the funding to focus on building legitimacy and trust between law enforcement and communities; 41 agencies will seek to address high rates of gun violence; 21 will focus on other areas of violence; and 19 will focus CHP resources on combating hate and domestic extremism or supporting police-based responses to persons in crisis. The complete list of awards can be found here.
Since its creation in 1994, COPS has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and Tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of more than 135,000 officers. CHP, COPS’ flagship program, continues to be in demand today: In FY21, COPS received 590 applications requesting nearly 3,000 law enforcement positions. For FY22, President Biden has requested $537 million for CHP, an increase of $300 million.
To learn more about CHP, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/chp-award. For additional information about the COPS Office, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/.
The COPS Office is the federal component of the Department of Justice responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. The only Department of Justice agency with policing in its name, the COPS Office was established in 1994 and has been the cornerstone of the nation’s crime fighting strategy with grants, a variety of knowledge resource products, and training and technical assistance. Through the years, the COPS Office has become the go-to organization for law enforcement agencies across the country and continues to listen to the field and provide the resources that are needed to reduce crime and build trust between law enforcement and the communities served.
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Jury Convicts Two-Time Bank RobberRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A federal jury convicted a Lizella, Georgia, resident for bank robbery a week after being released from federal prison for previously robbing a bank.
Wesley Sorrow, 50, of Lizella, Georgia, was convicted of bank robbery following a three-day trial that began on Monday, Nov. 15. Sorrow is facing a maximum 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled before U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell on Feb. 1. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Bank robbery is a federal crime that carries serious consequences, of which Wesley Sorrow is well aware,” said Peter D. Leary, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. “Repeat offenders and individuals who choose to commit crimes that terrify and destabilize our community will be held accountable.”
“Being in federal prison was apparently not enough of a punishment for Sorrow to learn his lesson because within a week of being released he went right back to his criminal tendencies,” said Chris Macrae, Acting Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Thanks to the assistance of the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, he will receive more time in federal prison where he will be off the streets and unable to terrorize our community.”
“Wesley Sorrow is yet another criminal who will soon learn the certain and lengthy penalties for violating federal level crimes. We can hope the penalty for this conviction will effectively end his 30-year crime career,” said Bibb County Sheriff David Davis.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Sorrow was seven days into his residency at a halfway house after being released from federal prison for a June 2009 bank robbery conviction in the Middle District of Georgia. On May 21, 2019, Sorrow walked into the American Pride Bank on Forsyth Road in Macon and presented a note to the bank teller demanding money. Sorrow took the cash and left the bank, returning to the halfway house. Sorrow was captured later that day and cash stolen from the bank was recovered from his locker. Sorrow has a lengthy criminal history, including bank robbery, robbery and forgery.
The case was investigated by FBI and the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joy Odom and Robert McCullers are prosecuting the case.
Jacksonville Man Sentenced to More Than 22 Years in Federal Prison for Attempting to Entice A Child to Produce Photos Depicting Sexual AbuseRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy J. Corrigan has sentenced Sean Corey McKenzie (31, Jacksonville) to more than 22 years and 6 months in federal prison for attempted production of child sex abuse images. McKenzie was also ordered to serve a 20-year term of supervised release and to register as a sex offender.
McKenzie had pleaded guilty on May 3, 2021.
According to court documents, based on an ongoing investigation, FBI agents had reason to believe McKenzie had used an online account to upload child pornography to a private chat room in a particular social media application (app). On March 15, 2021, the agents conducted an interview of McKenzie at his residence in Jacksonville, Florida. During the interview, McKenzie admitted to using this social media app and, specifically, to using his account to request minor females take “nude” photos of themselves. McKenzie also admitted that the photos were sexually explicit. McKenzie stated, when he was on the app, he sought out chat rooms with names that suggested minor children would be present. During a search of McKenzie’s cellular phone, FBI agents discovered online conversations McKenzie had with minor children on the same app.
On March 24, 201, FBI agents conducted a second interview with McKenzie, showing him a recording of one of those online conversations with a minor child. In that conversation, which took place from January 4, 2021 to February 22, 2021, McKenzie solicited the child to produce and send him photos of the child engaging in sexually explicit conduct. McKenzie admitted to engaging in the conversation.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ashley Washington.
This is another case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.
Human Smugglers Plead Guilty to Transporting and Harboring over 100 Illegal AliensRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – Amalia Gonzalez-Lara, 43, of Phoenix, pleaded guilty in federal court today in connection with her role as the coordinator of a human smuggling operation in Avondale, Arizona.
During a proceeding before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jacqueline Rateau, Gonzalez-Lara admitted that she conspired to transport and harbor over 100 illegal aliens for profit. On January 12, 2021, law enforcement agents located 20 illegal aliens, all nationals of Mexico or Guatemala, inside a residence located at 1905 North 119th Drive in Avondale, Arizona. Over the course of the conspiracy, the house was used to conceal large numbers of illegal aliens who had been smuggled across the U.S.-Mexico border and transported to the Phoenix area. Agents with Homeland Security Investigations and United States Border Patrol made the arrests.
Co-conspirator Sergio Vazquez-Flores, 46, of Goodyear, Arizona, pleaded guilty to conspiring to transport and harbor over 100 illegal aliens for profit on November 5, 2021. Vazquez-Flores operated the stash house at the Avondale address on behalf of Gonzalez-Lara.
A conviction for Conspiracy to Transport and Harbor Illegal Aliens for Profit carries a maximum penalty of ten years, a maximum fine of $250,000, or both.
Sentencing is set before Senior U.S. District Judge Raner C. Collins for Vazquez-Flores on January 25, 2022, and for Gonzalez-Lara on February 1, 2022.
The investigation in this case was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations – Nogales Office, with assistance from United States Border Patrol. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, is handling the prosecution.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona is part of Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA), which was established by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland in June 2021 to marshal the investigative and prosecutorial resources of the Department of Justice, in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), to enhance U.S. enforcement efforts against the most prolific and dangerous human smuggling and trafficking groups operating in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras. The Task Force focuses on disrupting and dismantling smuggling and trafficking networks that abuse, exploit, or endanger migrants, pose national security threats, and are involved in organized crime. JTFA consists of federal prosecutors and attorneys from U.S. Attorney’s Offices along the Southwest Border (District of Arizona, Southern District of California, Southern District of Texas, and Western District of Texas), from the Criminal Division and the Civil Rights Division, along with law enforcement agents and analysts from DHS’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration are also part of the Task Force.
CASE NUMBER: CR-21-0613-TUC-RCC-JR
RELEASE NUMBER: 2021-086_Gonzalez-Lara# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.Haskell Resident Found Guilty of Multiple Armed Home Invasion Robberies and Fire Station BurglariesRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced today that Aaron Isaiah Johnson, age 33, of Haskell, Oklahoma was found guilty by a federal jury of two counts of Robbery in Indian Country, in violation of Title 18 United States Code, Sections 2111, 1151, 1153 and 2; two counts of Use, Carry and Brandish of Firearm during and in Relation to a Crime of Violence, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 924(c)(1)(A)(i) and (ii) and 2; two counts of Burglary in the Second Degree in Indian Country, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1151, 1153 and Title 21, Oklahoma Statutes, Section 1435(A); Kidnapping in Indian Country, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1201(a)(2), 1151, 1153, and 2; Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 113(a)(3), 1151, 1153 and 2; and Conspiracy to Commit Robbery in Indian Country, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371.
The jury trial began with opening statements on Monday, November 8, 2021, and concluded on Friday, November 12, 2021, with the jury returning guilty verdicts on all nine criminal counts. Based on the jury’s verdicts, the defendant is facing up to life imprisonment.
During the trial the United States presented evidence the defendant committed a series of criminal offenses including: (1) on January 11, 2018, the defendant and two co-conspirators forcibly entered an occupied residence in Porter, Oklahoma, where they tied up, blindfolded, and robbed a 13-year old boy at gun point; (2) on December 18, 2018, the defendant and a co-conspirator forcibly entered an occupied residence in Haskell, Oklahoma, where they assaulted an 82-year old man with a rifle, and robbed him at gun point; (3) on February 27, 2019, the defendant burglarized the Red Bird Fire Station in Red Bird, Oklahoma, and stole two fire department emergency vehicles; and (4) on March 14, 2019, the defendant burglarized the Liberty Fire Station in Mounds, Oklahoma, and stole a fire department emergency vehicle.
The trial evidence established that Johnson was arrested and charged in the District Court of Muskogee County with the January 11, 2018 home invasion. The defendant was released on pretrial bond and required to wear a GPS equipped ankle bracelet. The United States utilized the data recorded from the Johnson’s ankle bracelet to prove the defendant was present at, and committed, the subsequent home invasion robbery and burglaries.
The guilty verdicts were the result of an investigation by the Wagoner County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma prosecuted the case because the defendant in this case is a member of a federally-recognized Indian tribe and the crimes occurred in Wagoner County, within the boundaries of the Muscogee (Creek) and Cherokee Nation Reservations, and within the Eastern District of Oklahoma.
The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma in Muskogee, presided over the trial and ordered the completion of a presentence report. Sentencing will be scheduled following completion of the report. Johnson was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal pending the imposition of sentencing.
Assistant United States Attorney Charles Bucca and Special Assistant United States Attorney L.C. Wright represented the United States.
Greene County Man Admits Defrauding Investors in a Waste-to-Energy Conversion PlantRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Greene County pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
Robert Irey, 59, of Clarksville, PA 15322 pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Robert J. Colville.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Irey and his charged coconspirators owned and ran a company called Alternative Energy Holdings, LLC (“AEH”). The defendants informed victims that AEH was going to build a plant that would convert biodegradable waste into energy. The defendants furthered offered victims an opportunity to invest in AEH. Specifically, they solicited short-term loans that offered high interest rates and, in some cases, an ownership interest in AEH. The victims were told their funds would be used for business expenses. However, after victims provided funds to AEH, the defendants often split the money three ways and used it for personal use. Despite the promise of a short-term repayment, the victims were not repaid. From approximately June 2016 until April 2018, approximately 22 victims loaned AEH $2,017,228.44.
Judge Colville scheduled sentencing for March 24, 2021. The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Lee J. Karl is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Postal Inspection Service and Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Irey.
Grand Jury - November 2021Read the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Jan W. Sharp announced the federal Grand Jury for the District of Nebraska has returned 7 unsealed Indictments charging 7 defendants. Indictments are charging documents that contain one or more individual counts that are merely accusations, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
* Timothy S. Daly, age 49, of Ponca, Nebraska, is charged with attempted enticement of a minor on or about August 26, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a life term of supervised release, a $100 special assessment, and a $5,000 additional special assessment.
* Christian Genchi, age 28, of Omaha, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I charges Genchi with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) on or about August 9, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, a $20,000,000 fine, a ten-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges the defendant with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime on or about August 9, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment consecutive to Count I, a $250,000 fine, a five-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Bryan William Gloe, age 44, of Plainview, Nebraska, is charged in a four-count Indictment. Count I charges Gloe with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) on or about June 3, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, a 10,000,000 fine, a five-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Counts II through IV charge the defendant with distribution of methamphetamine on or about May 7, 2021 and continuing through on or about May 27, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years’ imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Omar Vaillant, Jr., age 39, of Omaha, is charged in a three-count Indictment. Count I charges Vaillant with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine on or about April 9, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years’ imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges the defendant with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime on or about April 9, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment consecutive to Count I, a $250,000 fine, a five-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count III charges the defendant with felon in possession of a firearm on or about April 9, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Patrick Walker, age 55, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I charges Walker with assault on an officer with physical contact and bodily injury on or about October 30, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges the defendant with assault resulting in serious bodily injury on or about October 30, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Leonard Woodrum, Jr., age 56, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine on or about July 9, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, a $20,000,000 fine, a ten-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment There is also an allegation to forfeit United States currency seized on or about July 9, 2021.
* Domingo Zacarias-Ciprian, age 41, is charged in a three-count Indictment. Count I charges Zacarias-Ciprian with unlawful transfer of a document or authentication feature on or about September 21, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 15 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges the defendant with possession with intent to transfer five or more documents or authentication features on or about November 3, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count III charges the defendant with sale of a card purporting a social security card on or about September 21, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. There is also an allegation to forfeit United States currency seized on or about November 3, 2021.
Georgia Supervisory Correctional Officer Indicted on Obstruction Offenses Related to Assault on InmateRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury in Macon, Georgia, returned a two-count indictment against former supervisory correctional officer Lieutenant Geary Staten of the Valdosta State Prison (VSP) for his role in attempting to cover up an assault on an inmate incarcerated at the facility.
The indictment charges Staten, 31, with obstruction of justice and misprision of a felony. Specifically, the indictment charges that Staten knew that, on or about Dec. 29, 2018, a number of VSP correctional officers unlawfully used force on inmate F.G. in violation of the inmate’s constitutional rights. Instead of reporting or otherwise notifying authorities of these felony violations, Staten took steps to conceal the offense by directing two of the involved officers (Officer Brian Ford and Officer Jamal Scott, both of whom have pleaded guilty to federal offenses in connection with the incident) not to write any report regarding their unlawful use of force against inmate F.G., and by providing false and misleading statements to the FBI. Sergeant Patrick Sharpe also previously pleaded guilty to a federal offense in connection with the incident.
The maximum penalty for the misprision of a felony offense is three years of imprisonment, and the maximum penalty for the obstruction of justice offense is 20 years of imprisonment. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke made the announcement.
The FBI conducted the investigation.
Trial Attorneys Katherine G. DeVar and Nicole Raspa of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division, are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Georgia Resident Convicted for Distributing Drugs Through the U.S. MailRead the Press Release
VALDOSTA, Ga. – A federal jury convicted a Nashville, Georgia, resident today for attempting to distribute methamphetamine through the U.S. Mail.
Darren J. McCormick, 33, was found guilty of one count possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute following a three-day trial that began on Monday, Nov. 15, before U.S. District Judge Louis Sands. McCormick faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years up to a maximum sentence of life in prison and a $10,000,000 fine. Sentencing has not been scheduled.
“Darren McCormick’s attempt to receive a significant quantity of methamphetamine through the mail and distribute it into a South Georgia community has been prevented thanks to the efforts of the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office,” said Peter D. Leary, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. “Repeat drug traffickers who push the deadliest narcotics will be held accountable in the Middle District of Georgia.”
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, a confidential informant (CI) notified law enforcement in early 2020 that McCormick was selling illegal drugs in Berrien County and that he regularly received controlled substances via U.S. Mail with the assistance of other individuals. Under surveillance, the CI picked up a package with suspected controlled substances at a post office and then picked up McCormick on May 7, 2020. McCormick was arrested in possession of 217 grams of methamphetamine discovered in the mailed package. McCormick has a prior federal drug conviction in the Middle District of Georgia.
The case was investigated by the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Leah E. McEwen is prosecuting the case.
Georgia Man Charged with Money Laundering Connected to Internet ScamsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today the unsealing of the indictment of EMMANUEL UGBAJA (“UGBAJA”), age 53, of Duluth, Georgia. UGBAJA was charged in a three-count federal indictment with one (1) count of Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1956 and two (2) counts of Money Laundering in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1957.
The indictment alleges that in 2018, two persons were victimized by two separate internet scams – one from Kansas sent money to an unknown co-conspirator posing as a love interest in what is known as a “romance scam” and the other from California sent money to a person posing to be an attorney in what is known as an “inheritance scam.” At the direction of the co-conspirators, the victims were told to send the funds to a bank account controlled by UGBAJA. UGBAJA retained a portion of the funds for himself and then sent the victim funds in the amount of $60,000 total to a local maritime broker, Bourg Marine, as part of a down payment for the unrelated purchase of a vessel.
If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum penalty of ten (10) years imprisonment, up to three (3) years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000.00 per count or twice the gross gain to the defendant of twice the gross loss to the victim, and a $100 mandatory special fee for each count.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This indictment is part of an ongoing national effort by the Department of Justice to address online fraud schemes often based overseas that target U.S. citizens. The public is encouraged to report potential online fraud activity or scams to the Federal Bureau of Investigation at https://www.ic3.gov/.
The United States Attorney’s Office would also like to acknowledge the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation with this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward J. Rivera of the Financial Crimes Unit.
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Fresno Felon Charged with Two Counts of Unlawfully Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment today against Jesus Lepe, 44, of Fresno, charging him with two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, on Sept. 16, 2020, Lepe nearly caused a vehicle collision after running a red light. After a traffic stop, Lepe was found in possession of a stolen firearm. On Aug. 18, 2021, Lepe was stopped for speeding and once again found in possession of a stolen firearm. Lepe is prohibited from possessing firearms because of multiple felony convictions from 1996 that include robbery, possession of heroin, and other firearms violations.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Antonio J. Pataca is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Lepe faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Four Montana tribal communities to receive more than $3 million to help crime victims and improve public safetyRead the Press Release
BILLINGS—Four Montana tribal communities will receive more than $3 million in Department of Justice grants to improve public safety and to serve crime victims, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson announced today.
The four grants are among 137 grants to 85 American Indian and Alaska Native communities, totaling $73 million, announced this week during the virtual White House Tribal Nations Summit. These funds are designed to help enhance tribal justice systems and strengthen law enforcement, improve the handling of child abuse cases, combat domestic violence and support tribal youth programs.
“I am pleased that these Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation funds will be going to four of Montana’s tribal nations. This money will provide critical support to help tribes strengthen public safety and address the challenges of violent crime too often experienced in their communities,” U.S. Attorney Johnson said.
The grants total $3,081,878 and are being awarded to:
• Blackfeet Tribe of the Blackfeet Indian Reservation: Tribal Youth Program, 508,245.
• The Chippewa Cree Tribe of the Rocky Boy’s Reservation: Tribal Justice Systems, $899,813.
• Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Indian Reservation: Children’s Justice Act Partnerships for Indian Communities, $450,000.
• Fort Peck Assiniboine Sioux Tribes: Public Safety and Community Policing, $899,960; and Children’s Justice Act Partnerships for Indian Communities, $323,860.
More than four in five of American Indian and Alaska Native adults have experienced some form of violence in their lifetime, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics. This equates to nearly three million people who have experienced stalking, sexual violence, psychological aggression or physical violence by intimate partners.
More than $73 million will be awarded under CTAS, a streamlined application which helps tribes apply for tribal-specific grant programs that enhance law enforcement and tribal justice practices, expand victim services and sustain crime prevention and intervention efforts. CTAS grants are administered by the Office of Justice Programs ($48 million) and the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) ($25 million).
In addition to CTAS funding, OJP has awarded more than $100 million through the Tribal Victim Services Set-Aside to improve services for crime victims in Tribal communities. OJP’s Office for Victims Crime is supporting tribal grantees with capacity building, training and technical assistance (more than $6.8 million) and an update of the Tribal Resource Tool ($199,999), which maps the availability of victim services in tribal communities. An additional $2.9 million will be awarded under the Children’s Justice Act Partnership to tribes to enhance the handling of cases centered around criminal child abuse and neglect.
Information about FY 2021 grant awards from the Office of Justice Programs can be found online on the OJP Grant Awards Page. The page will be updated as awards are made.
Information about FY 2021 grant awards from the COPS Office can be found online at the COPS Grant Page. Information about FY 2021 grant awards from the COPS Office can be found online at the COPS Grant Page.
The Office of Justice Programs provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, advance racial equity in the administration of justice, assist victims and enhance the rule of law. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
The COPS Office is the component of the U.S. Department of Justice responsible for advancing the practice of community policing by the nation's state, local, territorial and Tribal law enforcement agencies through information and grant resources.
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Four Executives Plead Guilty to Fraud Scheme that Caused over $4.5 Million in Losses to the Small Business AdministrationRead the Press Release
Three former executives of Valley Bank, a defunct financial institution based in Moline, Illinois, and the President of Vital Financial Services (Vital Financial), a lending service provider, have pleaded guilty to scheming to defraud the Small Business Administration (SBA) in connection with its programs to guarantee loans made to small businesses.
According to court document, the defendants — Michael Slater, 65, of Clive, Iowa, former President and Founder of Vital Financial; Larry Henson, 70, of Davenport, Iowa, former President and Chairman of Valley Bank; Andrew Erpelding, 43, also of Davenport, Iowa, former Vice President and Regional Manager of Valley Bank; and Susan McLaughlin, 68, of Bettendorf, Iowa, former Vice President for Credit Administration of Valley Bank — conspired to and did fraudulently obtain loan guarantees from the SBA on behalf of Valley Bank borrowers, knowing that the loans did not meet SBA’s guidelines and requirements for the guarantees. They did so by, among other things, altering loan payment histories, renaming businesses, and hiding the fact that borrowers had previously defaulted on loans. When the fraudulently guaranteed loans defaulted, the defendants caused the submission of reimbursement requests to the SBA to purchase the defaulted loans from investors and lending institutions, thereby shifting the majority of losses on the ineligible loans to the SBA. In all, the defendants attempted to obtain guarantees on over $14 million in loans, were successful in obtaining guarantees on over $9 million in loans, and caused the SBA losses of over $4.5 million.
All four defendants pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud affecting a financial institution. McLaughlin pleaded guilty on Sept. 20; Erpelding on Sept. 21; Henson on Nov. 9; and Slater on Nov. 18. The defendants each face a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Richard D. Westphal for the Southern District of Iowa; Inspector General Jay N. Lerner of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General (FDIC-OIG); Inspector General Mark Bialek of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (FRB/CFPB-OIG); Inspector General Hannibal “Mike” Ware of the SBA Office of Inspector General (SBA-OIG), Acting Assistant Director Jay Greenberg of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division, and Acting Inspector General Phyllis K. Fong of the Federal Housing Finance Agency Office of Inspector General (FHFA-OIG) made the announcement.
The FDIC-OIG, FRB/CFPB-OIG, SBA-OIG, FBI, and FHFA-OIG investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Siji Moore of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Kerndt of the Southern District of Iowa are prosecuting the case.
Fort Wayne Man Sentenced to 300 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – Mark A. Holbrook, II, 43 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Holly A. Brady after pleading guilty to possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possessing a firearm by felon, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Holbrook was sentenced to 300 months (25 years) in prison followed by 4 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, on July 26, 2018, Holbrook was stopped by the Warsaw Police Department for a traffic infraction. At that time, Holbrook was in possession of over 17 grams of methamphetamine in individual bags, along with scales. Thereafter, on March 23, 2019, Holbrook was stopped by the Winona Lake Police Department and at that time was in possession of over 6 grams of methamphetamine and a firearm. Holbrook admitted to officers that he was selling drugs to make a living.
Holbrook had previously been convicted of several felony offenses, including Burglary, Theft, Criminal Recklessness, Possession of Chemical Reagents or Precursors with the Intent to Manufacture, Dealing in Methamphetamine, Conspiracy to Commit Battery Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury and Criminal Gang Activity, making his possession of a firearm illegal.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives with the assistance of the Drug Enforcement Administration, along with multiple local law enforcement agencies, including the Warsaw Police Department, the Winona Lake Police Department, and the Kosciusko County Drug Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stacey R. Speith.
This case was being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
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