Community Policing Competitive Grants

The Community Policing Competitive Grants program is administered by the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) and is funded as part of a one-time appropriation under the Public Act 166 of 2022. This initiative stems from a broader $58.7 million budget allocation by the State of Michigan to support public safety initiatives through six distinct grant programs, each aiming to enhance law enforcement and community safety outcomes across the state. Among these, the Community Policing Competitive Grants program is specifically designed to promote collaborative and research-informed community policing efforts. This grant program allocates $11 million to law enforcement agencies seeking to implement or expand community policing initiatives. To qualify for funding, agencies must propose programs grounded in research-based models and demonstrate a commitment to building trust and partnerships with the communities they serve. Programs must prioritize community input, support broader collaborative strategies for problem-solving, and include youth engagement and partnerships with community-based organizations, local governments, or academic institutions. Notably, funding from this program cannot be used to hire additional law enforcement personnel. The grants aim to foster long-term relationship building between law enforcement and the public, especially in communities where historical mistrust may exist. Applications must reflect an inclusive and participatory approach, with prioritization given to agencies that have already established strong partnerships or support structures within their communities. MCOLES has indicated that implementation of this program will involve collaboration with academic institutions to refine eligible research-based models, ensuring that funded initiatives are both innovative and evidence-driven. While specific submission procedures and deadlines have not been published yet, the grant program is categorized as a competitive funding opportunity, indicating that applications will undergo a formal review process. Applicants should be prepared to outline detailed program models, describe expected outcomes, and demonstrate existing community partnerships as part of their proposals. Agencies interested in this funding opportunity should monitor the MCOLES website, where additional details and application instructions will be posted once the program is formally implemented. For questions regarding the upcoming application process, MCOLES can be contacted at [email protected]. As the program is still in development, applicants are encouraged to begin formulating their strategies and potential partnerships in anticipation of further guidance.

Ensure all recruit screening steps are completed before applying; applications submitted before MOU finalization may delay disbursement.