Native American Law Enforcement Awarded $36M in Federal Grants

The Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) has awarded a total of $36 million to 124 tribal law enforcement agencies in 24 states. The grants were awarded under the COPS Tribal Resources Grant Program (TRGP). Funds will be used to hire community policing officers and to purchase much-needed equipment. “Tribal police departments are a vital part of the nation’s law enforcement network, and it is important they have the resources needed to protect their communities," says Attorney General John Ashcroft. "These grants will help ensure that tribal police departments are better prepared to fight crime." All federally recognized tribes with established police departments are eligible to receive TRGP funding. For more information about this program visit www.cops.usdoj.gov.