09/20/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/20/2024 09:01
Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins, Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Angus King announced that six Maine police departments have been awarded a total of $2,075,000 through the U.S. Department of Justice's (DOJ) Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) grant programs. The various programs overseen by the COPS office support numerous initiatives for local police departments, including improved hiring practices, school violence prevention, community policing development, and mental health wellness for law enforcement officers and their families.
"Law enforcement officers willingly place themselves in harm's way to protect our communities. It is our responsibility to equip them with the resources they need," said Senators Collins and King. "This important funding will help improve community policing across the State of Maine, enhance school safety, and provide essential mental health support for law enforcement officers."
The COPS grant funding awarded to Maine law enforcement agencies falls into four distinct categories:
These grants are part of a broader national effort by the DOJ's COPS office to combat opioid and methamphetamine distribution, prepare for active shooter situations, and support technical assistance and hiring programs for law enforcement agencies.
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