Law Enforcement Training Scholarship Program

The Law Enforcement Training Scholarship Program (LETS), administered by the Governor's Office of Crime Prevention and Policy (GOCPP) in Maryland, is designed to enhance the capacity and professional expertise of law enforcement personnel through specialized training opportunities. Backed by the Edward J. Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant, this initiative reflects Maryland’s commitment to data-driven public safety efforts, criminal justice innovation, and cross-jurisdictional collaboration. The program aims to support ongoing training in critical investigative practices, crime prevention strategies, victim services, and related professional domains that ultimately contribute to a safer and more effective justice system. The LETS program offers grants of up to $5,000 per individual per course, which may be used for non-degree, skills-based law enforcement training. Allowable expenses include travel, lodging, per diem meals, training registration fees, and instructional materials. The funding may also support bringing certified trainers directly to agencies for onsite training, provided that sessions are part of a cohesive training series. This flexibility enables departments to deploy federal resources toward high-impact, role-specific education that aligns with evolving best practices in policing and public safety. The program explicitly excludes funding for academic credit, general management training, overtime, backfilling officers, or capital equipment purchases. Eligible applicants include Maryland-based local and state law enforcement agencies, as well as prosecutorial offices such as State's Attorney’s Offices, the Maryland Attorney General’s Office, and the Maryland Offices of the Inspector General. Applicants must use the state’s Grant Management System (GMS) to submit proposals and must comply with System for Award Management (SAM.gov) requirements. Applications must be submitted no fewer than thirty (30) business days prior to the proposed training start date. All training must be completed within a three- or six-month project term and conclude by September 30, 2026. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until June 30, 2026. The application process includes several mandatory components: a project summary, program narrative, training literature, detailed budget and justification, and a timeline. The narrative must provide agency background, training rationale, staff qualifications, and internal knowledge dissemination plans. Applications are evaluated based on the demonstrated need for training, anticipated benefits to staff and community, feasibility of the timeline, and cost-effectiveness. Agencies that have not received a LETS grant in the last six months are given priority. The program does not require a cost share or match. Applicants must submit programmatic and financial reports quarterly via the GMS portal. Metrics include the number of participants, training completion rates, and outcomes such as improved knowledge or interagency collaboration. Programmatic data is essential for evaluating the effectiveness and scalability of funded trainings. For assistance during the application process, applicants may contact Sun Jang, the LETS Grant Manager, via email or phone. The LETS program is structured to remain available continuously throughout the fiscal year, contingent on funding availability. The program anticipates issuing up to 20 individual awards from a total pool of $75,000. With clear eligibility rules, streamlined application procedures, and targeted training objectives, LETS continues to reinforce Maryland’s strategic investments in workforce development and public safety outcomes.