The MCOLES Public Safety Academy Assistance Program is designed to support law enforcement agencies by offering basic law enforcement training academy scholarships and salaries for employed recruits. The program, backed by a total funding of $30,000,000, allocates up to $24,000 per recruit for academy costs and salaries while attending an academy. This funding is available until September 30, 2026, or until the funds are exhausted, whichever comes first. As of October 2023, $13,806,239.35 has been distributed, leaving $16,193,760.65 remaining. Scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, with agencies eligible to receive up to 25 scholarships throughout the program. The application process involves completing standards screening and Candidate New Hire process in MITN, with additional steps for both the agency and the academy to follow for grant consideration. Distribution of funds covers the stipend for the recruit’s salary and academy costs, with responsibilities for payments to the training program and initial licensing exam registration fees detailed within the program guidelines.
