BJA FY25 De-escalation and Crisis Response Training Program

The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), within the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs, administers this funding opportunity to support improvements in public safety and law enforcement practices nationwide. BJA provides federal leadership, funding, and technical assistance to strengthen criminal justice systems and enhance community safety outcomes. This specific program focuses on equipping law enforcement and correctional personnel with effective tools and training to respond to individuals experiencing behavioral health crises, disabilities, or traumatic brain injuries. The initiative aligns with broader federal priorities to improve crisis response, reduce use-of-force incidents, and protect both public and officer wellbeing. The purpose of the De-escalation and Crisis Response Training Program is to fund the development, implementation, or expansion of training programs that enhance officers’ ability to manage crisis situations safely and effectively. The program supports two primary categories: one for law enforcement agencies and another for correctional institutions. Both categories emphasize training in crisis response and intervention techniques, including the potential integration of virtual reality training systems that simulate real-world scenarios. These tools are intended to improve decision-making, reduce escalation, and promote safer interactions with individuals in crisis. Funding supports activities such as implementing Crisis Response and Intervention Training (CRIT), adopting immersive virtual reality training systems, and strengthening coordination with behavioral health providers. Allowable uses include training program development, delivery, and evaluation, as well as technology integration that enhances training effectiveness. However, funds may not be used for activities that violate federal immigration laws, civil rights laws, or other statutory restrictions outlined in the DOJ Grants Financial Guide. The program does not require cost sharing or matching funds, which lowers barriers to participation for eligible applicants. Eligible applicants include a wide range of public sector and educational entities, such as state, local, and tribal governments; law enforcement agencies; correctional institutions; public and private institutions of higher education; and certain public hospitals with on-campus police departments. Applicants must identify a lead law enforcement or correctional partner agency and include a memorandum of understanding or letter of commitment demonstrating that partnership. Applications may include multiple partners, but only one entity may serve as the primary applicant. The application process involves a two-step submission through Grants.gov and JustGrants. Applicants must first submit the SF-424 form via Grants.gov, followed by a full application package in JustGrants, which includes a proposal narrative, budget detail form, and required attachments such as MOUs. The proposal narrative must address the problem statement, project goals and objectives, implementation strategy, and organizational capabilities. Applications are evaluated based on criteria including project design, organizational capacity, and budget completeness, with additional consideration given to alignment with federal priorities such as combating violent crime and supporting victims. Key deadlines include a Grants.gov submission deadline of May 27, 2026, and a JustGrants submission deadline of June 3, 2026. The anticipated total funding available is over 8 million dollars, with individual awards capped at 700,000 dollars and a performance period of 36 months. Awards are expected to begin around October 1, 2025. Recipients are required to submit regular financial and performance reports and comply with all federal grant management and civil rights requirements. While this funding opportunity is not explicitly stated as recurring, similar BJA programs are often reissued annually, subject to appropriations and agency priorities.

Use local data to justify need; align project with federal priorities; clearly define training approach and outcomes; include strong partner commitments