THE COPS PROGRAM

            WHEREAS, the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Office was established within the U.S. Department of Justice in 1994 to advance the practice of community policing in America’s state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies through the provision of grants and technical assistance; and

            WHEREAS, since its inception in 1994, the COPS Office has provided critical assistance through funding opportunities as it has invested nearly $14 billion to add community policing officers to the nation’s streets, enhance crime fighting technology, support crime prevention initiatives, and provide training and technical assistance to help advance community policing; and

            WHEREAS, the COPS Office has funded approximately 124,000 additional officers to more than 13,000 of the nation’s 18,000 law enforcement agencies across the country in small and large jurisdictions alike to maintain the public safety and policing capacities of cities in times of economic distress; and

            WHEREAS, units of local government have experienced deep spending cuts to public safety and community policing programs and still face immense budgetary pressures as the nation emerges from an economic downturn; and

            WHEREAS, following the tragic events at Sandy Hook Elementary School, there is a substantial need for School Resource Officers to carry out school based policing to ensure the safety of children and administrators; and

            WHEREAS, the Fiscal Year 2013 COPS Hiring Program seeks to reduce instances of homicide and gun violence in communities that have endured a high rate of those crimes; and

            WHEREAS, the Fiscal Year 2013 COPS Hiring Program solicitation also prioritizes the hiring of veterans who are faced with bleak job prospects upon concluding their service to this country; and

            WHEREAS, the Continuing Resolution maintained a sufficient level of funding for the COPS Office in Fiscal Year 2013 prior to sequestration; and

            WHEREAS, President Obama recommended an increase in funding the COPS Hiring Program in Fiscal Year 2014 and $150 million for a new, flexible Comprehensive School Safety Program to be administered by the COPS Office; and

            WHEREAS, Congress will soon deliberate matters relating to the Fiscal Year 2014 federal budget,

            NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that The United States Conference of Mayors supports the President’s recommendation to increase funding for the COPS Office in Fiscal Year 2014, including the establishment and funding of the new Comprehensive School Safety Program; and

            BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that The United States Conference of Mayors urges Congress to approve the President’s request and authorize an increased level of funding for the COPS Hiring Program so that the COPS Office can continue its successful efforts to provide public safety assistance to law enforcement agencies nationwide; and

            BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that The United States Conference of Mayors urges Congress to authorize and fund a new Comprehensive School Safety Program to be administered by the COPS Office.