In an effort to get community members involved in helping local police, $400,000 has been awarded to police departments to fund Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) programs in eight states.

The goal of VIPS, funded by the DOJ’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), is to enhance the capacity of law enforcement to prevent, prepare for, and respond to crime, natural disasters, and other emergencies.

The grant funds will cover expenses such as recruitment advertising, equipment, the cost of a program coordinator, or funds to implement and evaluate VIPS programs.

“The Volunteers in Police Service program is a good example of how law enforcement and communities can support each other in the fight against crime,” says COPS Director Carl Peed. “Volunteers get to contribute to the safety and stability of their community, and law enforcement benefits from both a stronger relationship with the community and the work done by volunteers.”

For more information, visit www.cops.usdoj.gov.