Public Safety Academy Assistance Program

The Public Safety Academy Assistance (PSAA) Program – Appropriation III is administered by the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES), aimed at supporting law enforcement agencies across the state of Michigan in training new recruits. This initiative is backed by a $10 million allocation in the 2026 State of Michigan budget, differing from previous rounds by being funded through the Department of Treasury's revenue sharing budget. As of November 14, 2025, MCOLES began accepting applications under this new appropriation phase, although disbursement of funds is contingent upon the finalization of a memorandum of understanding with the Department of Treasury. The PSAA Program offers financial support to law enforcement agencies for expenses incurred during the training of employed recruits. Covered costs include recruit salaries and benefits, tuition for basic law enforcement academies, and other associated expenses approved by MCOLES. Agencies must ensure recruits meet all standard screening criteria, including comprehensive background checks, and must officially hire them before submitting a scholarship application. Funding is available only to agencies that enroll their recruits in an academy session starting on or after October 7, 2025. Each eligible agency can receive up to 35 scholarships across Appropriations I, II, and III combined. Applications are competitive and not guaranteed, even if eligibility criteria are met. The application process involves completing screening and hiring steps via the Michigan Information and Tracking Network (MITN), submitting a PSAA application form, and forwarding all documentation to the chosen academy at least ten days before the session begins. The academy must then enroll the recruit, complete its section of the application, and submit all materials to MCOLES via email. Upon approval, the employing agency may receive up to $20,000 per recruit to cover eligible expenses. Payments are issued to the employing agency, which is responsible for reimbursing the training academy and paying for the recruit’s licensing exam through the Talogy Group. If a recruit withdraws or resigns before all funds are used, the balance must be returned to MCOLES. Additional allowable expenses may be reimbursed if properly invoiced. Agencies should also submit a Notification of Recruit Separation form in cases of early departures. Recruits funded under PSAA are ineligible for Training to Locals (TTL) reimbursements. However, TTL remains available for any recruits not covered by the PSAA or who exceed the agency's 35-scholarship cap. For more information or inquiries, applicants are advised to contact the program administrators at [email protected]. Applications will be processed while funds remain available, and further timelines will depend on coordination between MCOLES and the Department of Treasury.

Submit all materials at least 10 days prior to academy start date; ensure recruits are fully screened and hired before submission; promptly notify MCOLES in case of recruit separation.