2021 | First Round of Funding: On January 21, in the opening session of the 2021 Winter Meeting of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, Laysha Ward, Executive Vice President & Chief External Engagement Officer for Target, announced the creation of a two-year, $700,000 Police Reform and Racial Justice Grant Program, a national partnership between the Conference of Mayors and Target aimed at identifying, supporting and promoting police policies and practices in cities shown to be most effective in advancing the goal of justice for all residents. In the first year of the program, 36 cities submitted proposals for grant funding. A panel of judges composed of former mayors, a top police executive and a social justice expert selected a single grant winner in each of three city population categories: a large city (population over 300,000) to receive $175,000, a mid-size city (population in the 100,000–250,000 range) to receive $100,000, and a small city (population under 100,000) to receive $75,000.
On January 20, in the Conference’s 2022 Winter Meeting in Washington, San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg, Chair of USCM’s Mayors and Business Leaders Center for Compassionate and Equitable Cities, recognized the mayors of the winning cities in the first round of grant awards – Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson, Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller, and Salisbury MD Mayor Jacob Day – and announced the launch of the second round of the program and the second opportunity for a large, mid-size and small city to share in a total $350,000 award. Mayor Nirenberg called all mayors’ attention to the Center’s web page on the Conference’s website where summary descriptions of all police reform initiatives proposed by cities for grant awards are posted, the purpose being to provide mayors across the country with information on what their colleagues have determined to be effective reforms that merit consideration. Target is a partner with the Conference in the Center.
2022 | Second Round of Funding: On June 4, in the opening session of the 2022 Annual Meeting of the U.S. Conference of Mayors in Reno, Target’s Laysha Ward announced the winners of the second round of grants awarded through the grant program. In this second funding round, the mid-size city population category was redefined as 100,000-300,000 residents. More than 30 cities submitted applications for grants and the program’s panel of judges again selected a single grant winner in the each of the three population categories. Recognized in the Reno meeting for their cities’ winning entries were New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell, Irving TX Mayor Rick Stopfer, and Central Falls RI Mayor Maria Rivera.
2023 | Third Round of Funding: Also announced by Laysha Ward in the Reno meeting was the extension of the grant program into a third round of funding. In its third year the program’s focus was reflected in a new title: Police Reform and Equitable Justice. Winners of the third round of program grants were selected from over 30 city applicants and announced in the Conference’s 2023 Annual Meeting in Columbus by Target’s Senior Vice President for Government Affairs & Risk, Isaac Reyes. His June 4 presentation of awards to the mayor of the winning city in each of the population categories – Arlington TX Mayor Jim Ross, Lansing MI Mayor Andy Schor, and Huntington WV Mayor Steve Williams – was accompanied by recognition of an honorable mention city program in each population category and the mayor of the honored city: Anaheim Mayor Ashleigh Aitken, Charleston SC Mayor John Tecklenburg, and Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora.
2024 | Fourth Round of Funding: In January 2024 Target’s Senior Vice President Isaac Reyes appeared at the Conference’s 2024 Winter Meeting in Washington to announce that another round of Police Reform and Equitable Justice grant funding was being offered to member mayors and that, as in previous rounds, grant winners, along with honorable mention cities, would be announced in the Conference’s Annual Meeting, to be held this year in Kansas City, Missouri. In a June 22 plenary session of the meeting, Reyes announced the three grant award winners and three honorable mention cities that had been selected by the program’s judges from among the more than 40 applications submitted to the program.
2025 GRANT AWARD WINNERS
Large City Grant Winner: Cincinnati (OH) – The Crisis Receiving Center
Cincinnati is looking to enhance its Crisis Receiving Center (CRC), which offers an alternative to both arrest and the emergency room. The Center is focused on both providing an immediate therapeutic “low trauma” response, intensive engagement and connection to ongoing support and services. CRC will provide up to 23 hours of assessment, monitoring support and engagement. In a small calming environment up to 12 individuals will find a place to rest, with food, showers, medications and peer support. The Cincinnati Police Department (CPD) along with other partners will work together to ensure that all clients are offered immediate connection to needed resources including care management, outpatient treatment and residential treatment prior to leaving the program. Currently the CPD provides an officer to ensure the safety of all patients and personnel at the center. With funding it looks to increase the capacity of CPD to provide 24-hour support to the initiative. The officer would ensure the safety and security of all individuals on site, provide rapid response to emergent situations, support the CRC mission by allowing staff to focus on delivering quality care and strengthen the collaboration between law enforcement, mental health professionals, and community stakeholders. A look at quantitative statistics related to a comparison of incidents pre and post police officer detail shows a 24% decrease in total Client Altercations, a 52% decrease in Client Altercations per year, a 36.65% decrease in total Psychiatric Holds and a 60.87% decrease in Psychiatric Holds per year. More information is available from Lieutenant Jennifer Mitsch via [email protected].
Medium City Grant Winner: Kent (WA) — Community Immersion Law Enforcement Program (CILEP).
The Community Immersion Law Enforcement Program (CILEP) is a pre-academy internship for newly hired police recruits at the City of Kent Police Department. The stated goal is to build trust between the Kent Police Department and the community it serves by embedding Kent Police recruits in local non-profit organizations for 40 hours per week over 8 weeks before they attend the police academy. Many officers do not reside in the communities they police, leading to a lack of real-life experience and engagement with people of color. This cultural gap has contributed to erosion of public trust and strained police-community relationships in their city.
The $100,000 grant will be used to: 1. Expand mentorship training for community leaders guiding recruits; 2. Support additional community-based organizations (CBOs) as program partners; 3. Develop new assessment tools to measure long-term community impact; 4. Promote recruitment efforts to increase program awareness and participation; 5. Enhance structured learning materials for recruits, including cultural competency modules; 6. Achieve statewide and national expansion by creating a “how to” guide/toolkit to build a CILEP program and speaking to law enforcement and stakeholders in other jurisdictions about how to replicate the program. Since its conceptualization in late 2020 and implementation in the summer of 2021, CILEP has grown substantially. In its pilot year, 19 pre-academy recruits completed the program, working with refugees, asylees, and immigrant communities. To date, 56 police officers have completed the ongoing program. More information is available from Community Education Coordinator Sara Hallstead via [email protected].
Small City Grant Winner: Vicksburg (MS) – Vicksburg and Warren County Youth Development Center
The Vicksburg and Warren County Youth Development Center (VWCYDC) was formed in response to the deep generational poverty in Vicksburg that created significant barriers to student success, often leading to crime and violence in youth. The staff is dedicated to tackling the root causes of poverty, substance abuse, mental health issues, and crime among youth, focusing on one child at a time. During intake sessions, staff assess all aspects of a child’s life to identify immediate needs and connect them with mentoring, tutoring, therapy, and student-led events. The Center employs a full-time police officer funded by the VPD, who collaborates with the Police Station, Youth Court, and VWCYDC to build relationships with students and their families. Over the past 19 months, the VWCYDC has served 208 children through face-to-face appointments, with 84 students receiving tutoring and/or mentoring vouchers weekly or bi-weekly. Ninety percent of those served are African American. Police Chief Jones plans to use the funds from this award for tutoring and mentoring vouchers for three more years. More information is available from Director of Vicksburg Warren County Youth Development Center Susie Calbert via [email protected].
2025 Grant Award Honorable Mentions
Large City Honorable Mention: Newark (NJ) – Police Explorers Program
Newark is looking to expand their Newark Police Explorers Program, which provides youth between the ages of 14 and 21 with hands-on exposure to law enforcement careers. The program currently serves 35 young residents from across the city and is managed by two detectives who lead participants through a structured curriculum that includes classroom instruction, physical fitness training, and community service. Topics include report writing, leadership, and the principles of community policing. The Explorers Program and broader community policing efforts were launched in part as a response to the findings of a 2016 Department of Justice Consent Decree, which identified patterns of unconstitutional policing in Newark and called for systemic reform. The funds would be used to eliminate barriers that prevent some families from participating and to increase the program’s capacity. Specifically, the funding would support the purchase of uniforms (both dress and fitness), cover registration fees, provide transportation to off-site events, and supply instructional materials. The NPD is also seeking to purchase a multi-passenger van to safely transport Explorers to events, training, and community service activities across the city and region. A portion of the funds would also be used for program outreach and promotion to ensure youth from every ward —particularly underrepresented neighborhoods—are aware of and able to apply. Reports submitted to the DOJ Consent Decree monitor have noted progress in community engagement and trust-building since the implementation of the Explorers program’s relaunch. Informal feedback from participants and families also supports the program’s value, citing increased self-confidence, career motivation, and a stronger sense of connection to the city. More information is available from Lieutenant, Community Affairs/Clergy Unit, Department of Public Safety-Newark Police Division Latasha Taylor via [email protected].
Medium City Honorable Mention: Chattanooga (TN) – The Crisis Co-Response Unit (CCRU)
The Crisis Co-Response Unit (CCRU) of the Chattanooga Police Department, overall goal is to partner law enforcement and community partners to create a network of care and support for individuals struggling with mental health-related issues in their city. CCRU’s objectives include assessing needs, advocating, providing resources and referrals, and creating a streamlined response to mental health in the community. In Chattanooga, mental health related calls for service rose from 2019 to 2021, which prompted the creation of the Crisis Co-Response Unit in 2021 to meet this need, fully funded and supported by the City. The Co-Response program pairs a licensed mental health professional and CIT trained officer to serve as a primary response for mental health-related crisis calls for services. CCRU would use the funds primarily to obtain a database that can create a central hub for all these services. A centralized database would unify these different initiatives and allow for better follow-up and communication while addressing gaps in access. This centralized hub could identify services individuals are already engaged in or have been referred to to increase program efficiency, with an estimated cost of about $20,000 per year. They look to spend funding for sensory kits that could help the CCRU program improve its effectiveness in de-escalation and to host various Crisis Intervention Training schools within the year. As well as more safety equipment, respite stays and travel vouchers, and a wheelchair accessible vehicle.
CCRU’s data has shown the majority of its calls are successfully diverted from hospitals and jails, highlighting the impactful crisis de-escalation technique utilized in helping individuals in crisis stay in the least restrictive environment possible. In 2024 specifically, the majority of call outcomes (156) involved safety planning and provision of resources. More information is available from Co-Responder Manager Belen Garcia-Rivas via [email protected].
Small City Honorable Mention: Lima (OH) – City of Lima Nondiscrimination Policy
Over the past three years, The City of Lima has experienced a significant influx of Haitian refugees seeking refuge from deteriorating conditions in their native country. Estimates suggest that approximately 7,000 Haitian individuals have relocated to Lima, a city of 35,000. This increase marks a substantial demographic shift. The increase has brought to light challenges related to language barriers and cultural integration underscoring the need for targeted support and services. The City of Lima Nondiscrimination Policy would utilize the funding to break down the barriers between the Haitian people and the county’s officials. The first use of funding would go towards translation services, specifically technology that could bridge the language barrier. Funding would also be utilized towards community engagement and training efforts to better integrate the Haitian community in the economic and social fabric of the city. The initiative is in its infancy; however, initial feedback indicates a growing need for structured support. By implementing this initiative, the City of Lima aims to uphold its commitment to nondiscrimination while proactively addressing the unique needs of its evolving community. More information is available from Lieutenant Benjamin Thompson via [email protected].
Other City Models
For each of the three population categories, summary descriptions of programs and initiatives submitted for grant consideration by the balance of the city applicants follow in this section. For each city, a contact person who can provide detailed information is identified.
Cities With Populations Over 300,000
Albuquerque
Community Safety Program
Albuquerque Community Safety (ACS) priority is to provide a compassionate public health response to behavioral health crises. ACS anticipates using this funding for the violence prevention work, specifically among support to victims of violence and providing wrap-around services to individuals impacted by domestic violence city-wide. In 2024, 24% of homicides in Albuquerque were related to domestic violence. It is the second largest driver of homicide in the city. These funds would be used to support a continuum of care for those victims by contracting with non-profits and other partners. Specifically, $80,000 each would go towards two specifically targeted goals. First, contracting with a non-profit that specializes in supporting victims of domestic violence to help facilitate wrap-around services, including rapid access to therapeutic support. Second, an additional contract to a partner that can provide direct support to beneficiaries that takes their situation from survival to stable. An example of this would be funding travel arrangements to a family member that can keep them safe or assistance with relocation to a separate location away from where they previously lived.
Currently, ACS works collaboratively with the Community-Oriented Response & Assistance (CORA) nonprofit to help victims of domestic violence along with other crimes regain stability. Since working with CORA, ACS have supported 265 adults and 84 children. Of those, 76 were victims of domestic violence and/or sexual assault. With funding they look to collaborate with other nonprofits and expand their reach to even more people in need in Albuquerque. Through their partnership with CORA they have systems in place to help evaluate these cases in real time and make sure the grant money is being used with the stated intention of reducing violence and trauma within the community. More information is available from Community Outreach Manager Jeffery Bustamante via [email protected].
Portland
Survey Program
The city of Portland is seeking to expand its use of surveys to include a contact survey program intended to collect feedback from community members after they have had contact with any of the city’s first responders. Development of this program began in early 2024 after significant community engagement and community-based advisory body recommendations that the city should expand its use of surveys to invite feedback regarding encounters with first responders. This feedback will be collected with the intent to assess community experiences and perceptions related to individual calls for service to ensure community needs and expectations are being met in an equitable and procedurally just manner. It also enables law enforcement managers to identify both positive and concerning trends within their departments in real time, which may include troubled employees, patrol shift issues, or broader behavioral issues. The funds would go towards the implementation of The Computer Aided Dispatch System. It is estimated that this program would require one-time funding of approximately $100,000 – $150,000, which would include development of the survey questions, methodology, software integration and implementation, and data reporting. The contact survey program will ideally provide insights about specific community experiences with first responders. This data, in turn, will illuminate opportunities to address gaps in service, additional training needs, and systemic or programmatic improvements that city leadership can implement to ensure procedural justice is reflected in the city’s first responder community engagement protocols and actions. More information is available from Manager of Community Safety Programs Stephanie Howard [email protected].
Phoenix
Responding to Youth Project
The Phoenix Police Department’s (PPD) ‘Responding to Youth’ Project is focused on the development of policy, training, and compliance measures that will both recognize and emphasize the unique characteristics and vulnerabilities of youth. Currently, PPD officers receive only minimal youth-related training during their initial academy experience, with no ongoing professional development in this crucial area. The DOJ Investigative findings unequivocally highlighted a critical deficiency within PPD: the insufficient recognition of the distinct characteristics and vulnerabilities of youth compared to adults. Launched in September 2024, the Project is specifically focusing on youth under the age of 18 who live within the City of Phoenix and is targeted specifically to interactions these youth have with Law Enforcement in Phoenix.
The overall scope of the Project includes creating policy and training that emphasizes de-escalation during police interactions and accounts for youth brain development and characteristics. Requested funds will enable an innovative strategic partnership with leading experts and clinicians specializing in critical areas of youth development, the unique mental health needs of adolescents, and effective engagement with youth who have disabilities or are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Furthermore, grant funding will support the development of cutting-edge training curricula, culminating in a customized ‘Train-the-Trainer’ program to equip PPD personnel with the knowledge and skills to implement best practice standards in their interactions with youth. The ‘Train the Trainer approach’ is proven to be a valuable and efficient way of imparting expertise. Experts and clinicians for this project have been estimated to cost $175,000. The City of Phoenix currently partners with clinicians and psychologists as part of its behavioral health response and crisis intervention training certification. More information is available from Special Projects Administrator Denise Cleary via [email protected].
San Diego
Intervention Services Team
SDPD received 15,350 high priority calls and completed 6,468 corresponding reports in Fiscal Year 2023 alone. Most of the latter were detention reports, where the individual was transported to a secure mental health facility. San Diego Police Department’s Intervention Services Team (IST) aims to focus on the 1% of the population that generate approximately 17% of SDPD’s 911 calls for services related to behavioral health conditions (i.e., mental health challenges and/or substance use disorder). IST’s person to person centered outreach includes locating and continuously supporting individuals in need of more structured treatment programs, helping to end the revolving door between homelessness, jail, and emergency rooms. IST has established partnerships with local entities that assist with placements and treatments and treat calls on a case-by-case basis and provide individuals with undiagnosed and/or untreated behavioral health challenges the specific lifesaving interventions they need. Within just the past seven months, IST have transported 47 people to the Recovery and Bridge Center Detox Program and have successfully helped 13 individuals move into shelters. Through the Police Reform & Equitable Justice Grant Program, IST hopes to enhance and continue to fund its outreach program to continue to offer a variety of alternatives to the criminal justice system through case management, referrals to housing and recovery resources, and other support. More information is available from Captain Albert Ambito via [email protected].
Cities with Populations in the 100,000-300,000 Range
Jackson
Reimagining Public Safety Initiative
The Reimagining Public Safety Initiative reduces violent crimes in Jackson through a holistic, community-led public health approach that integrates trauma recovery, violence intervention, and equitable police-community partnerships. The initiative would be targeted to historically underserved neighborhoods in Jackson with the highest rates of gun violence, poverty, and systemic disinvestment. With historical racial segregation and strained police-community trust, the focus would be on Black youth and adults, who comprise 80% of the city’s population and face disproportionate impacts. Jackson faces a firearm homicide rate that is 3x the national average, underfunded schools, and limited mental health access. Grant funds will strategically be used in ways such as developing virtual reality de-escalation simulations for police, incorporating trauma-informed scenarios co-designed by community members. Funds would also go towards expanding implicit bias workshops to all 450 Jackson Police Department officers. Furthermore, funds would be applied towards strengthening Trauma Recovery Services Public Dashboard Development by launching a real-time platform tracking police referrals, use-of-force trends, and community satisfaction metrics. The additional funds will accelerate progress toward the initiative’s objectives by addressing systemic gaps and amplifying proven strategies through their current multi-layered, public health-focused framework designed to address both immediate violence and systemic drivers.
Since the implementation of the Initiative, there has been a 15–20% decrease in shootings in targeted neighborhoods and 30% reduction in repeat victimization via trauma recovery services for high-risk families. 25% fewer use-of-force incidents due to VR training and co-responder models reducing escalation. 40% increase in community satisfaction (measured by surveys) as transparency tools and cultural competency training rebuild trust. 500+ individuals annually connected to mental health care, job training, and housing, breaking cycles of violence. 50% reduction in retaliatory violence through on-scene mediation and victim-offender dialogues. More information is available from Executive Director Keisha Coleman via [email protected].
Madison
Community Policing Advisory Boards
Madison looks to continue building their Police Departments legitimacy and trust by expanding the department’s current capacity through a formal, collaborative partnership with the Madison Community Policing Foundation’s (MCPF) creation of Police Advisory Boards (CPAB). A board is based in each of the cities’ six police districts of roughly equal size but varying demographics and composed of individuals who either live or work in their district, who have direct community discussions that turn information into action. Since the program’s implementation in 2023, the many events (game nights, movie nights, etc) and outreaches to the community have seen an increased youth feeling of safety around the police and an overall warmer view of police officers in general. Grant funds, if awarded, will be used to continue stipends for CPAB members, coordination services through the mediating organization, the Madison Community Policing Foundation, and supplies for events and activities. This would further enhance community trust and belief in police legitimacy. More information is available from Police Grant Program Manager Jim Powell via [email protected].
Dearborn
Explorer Post 1177: Building Bridges Through Inclusion and Empowerment
The city of Dearborn is looking to support the continuation and expansion of their Explorer Post Initiative. The Explorer Post Initiative is a positive outlet for young people to engage with the police department, fostering mutual understanding, leadership development, and community service. The city is highly diverse and helps young people of any color to build trust in the police by offering officers meaningful opportunities to connect with those they serve. Through shared experiences and open dialogue, the program cultivates mutual respect and stronger community bonds. The Initiative also serves as a pipeline for inclusive recruitment. Funds would be applied to increase membership capacity, broaden the community outreach efforts, and enhance the overall experience for participating youth. They plan to use the grant to offer additional training opportunities, host an extra youth academy session, and expand the summer intern/explorer program—providing a greater number of local youth with a positive, structured, and constructive outlet. In addition, grant funds would support targeted promotional efforts, such as distributing informational materials and organizing speaking engagements at local schools and academies. To further improve the quality of the programming, they would also invest in additional training equipment and educational aids. For example, they intend to rent a driving simulator to better prepare participants with critical life skills, such as safe vehicle operation and decision-making in high-pressure situations. There are currently 23 active members of this program, and their current Police Chief began in the Explorer program himself. More information is available from Sergeant – Grant Coordinator James Wade via [email protected].
Renton
Battle of the Badges
Battle of the Badges was launched in 2020 in direct response to a growing need for restoring trust and communication between public safety agencies and the communities they serve. Battle of the Badges is an event that brings together over 30 public agencies in the city to collaborate and engage with the community in a meaningful, approachable way during the holiday season. The event hopes to reach those that have had less than positive interactions with public safety officials or a negative perspective of public safety through educational booths, meet and greets, and safety themed giveaways during the event. The grant will be used to support and expand the 2025 Battle of the Badges event by renting infrastructure to accommodate larger crowds, funding family-friendly activities such as crafts, games, and giveaways, producing multilingual promotional materials and expanding digital outreach, and covering logistical costs including rental fees, signage, volunteer support, security, and sanitation needs. The event has grown to over 3,000 citizens attending the event with surveys and post-event comments consistently highlighting increased trust, gratitude for transparency, and excitement about returning. M ore information is available from Communications and Community Engagement Coordinator Stephanie Hynes via [email protected].
Eugene
Comprehensive Alternative Response Program
The Comprehensive Alternative Response Program integrates specialized professional staff personnel, technology-enhanced response tools, and mental health-focused crisis teams, to meet the evolving demands of modern public safety while reinforcing trust and cooperation between law enforcement and the community it serves. The Community Service Officers (CSOs) in the program were first on scene to more than 4,932 calls for service and responded to over 10,000 nonemergency calls, including reports of theft, traffic hazards, abandoned vehicles, and more since its creation in April, 2024. These officers are trained and armed with knowledge of how to navigate the complex intersection of social service systems and public safety concerns. These officers reduce the strain on patrol units and increase the likelihood of successful long-term outcomes for those they assist. The program pairs EPD officers with licensed clinicians and peer support specialists from Lane County Behavioral Health to respond jointly to behavioral health-related calls. The program also deploys drones to needed locations often before officers to get knowledge of the situation before the officers arrive. If awarded funding, EPD intends to further enhance these alternative response services. Goals include increasing overtime hours and providing additional equipment, which would enable more coverage during peak hours; upgrading drone technology to enhance flight capabilities; and continuing development of the MyPDConnect portal to include greater support functionality. More information is available from Sr. Financial Analyst Tim Costin via [email protected].
Allentown
Police Youth Mentorship Program
The Allentown Police Youth Mentorship Program’s goal is to build trust and mutual respect between police officers and youth, particularly those from underserved or at-risk neighborhoods through promoting positive life skills, educate youth on the functions of law enforcement, providing mentorship and leadership training, and creating opportunities for community involvement. This initiative is targeted specifically toward youth aged 12–18 within Allentown’s most vulnerable communities. The program was developed in response to feedback from community stakeholders who expressed concern about the lack of structured, positive engagement between police and youth. The program includes two main components. The first is the Youth Police Academy, a six-week summer program that combines classroom instruction, physical fitness, field trips, and interactive sessions with officers and community leaders. Upon completing the academy, highly motivated participants are invited to join the LIFE Program (Living with Integrity for Future Excellence). This is a year-round mentorship extension where officers and youth meet one to two times per month for leadership workshops, community service projects, and personal development activities. Early results show that over 85% of Youth Police Academy graduates choose to continue in the LIFE Program. Officers report improved interactions with youth in the community, while school partners have shared positive feedback regarding participants’ behavior and school attendance. Parent surveys and participant testimonials further highlight the personal growth and mindset shifts seen in those involved. If awarded grant funding, the department will use the funds to expand the number of youths served, purchase uniforms and supplies, enhance the LIFE Program curriculum, and ensure transportation and meals are provided for all participants. Funding will also support training for peer mentors and allow for additional community-based field trips and service opportunities. More information is available from Assistant Chief of Police-Support Services James Gress via [email protected].
Bridgeport
Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Program
In Bridgeport, CT, the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) program pairs trained officers with social workers to compassionately respond and support individuals in crisis due to mental illness, homelessness, or related challenges in their community. The need for CIT arose when Bridgeport saw an increase in the number of citywide mental health-related 911 calls. Data from the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) indicates that Bridgeport has consistently high rates of mental health-related incidents, including emergency department visits and hospitalizations.At the time there was limited officer training in de-escalation for mental health-related crises and a lack of community trust for law-enforcement officials along with a history of unfavorable interaction with police. Since its pilot launch in September 2022, there has been an increase in the number of officers receiving CIT Certification and an increase in the number of non-emergency 911 calls being diverted for social service intervention. If awarded, CIT plans to utilize the grant funds for the following purposes:
1. Allocate funds for emergency housing and essential items such as toiletries and food gift cards to meet the immediate needs of individuals in crisis. 2. Support attendance at national conferences for professional development and knowledge exchange. 3. Invest in technology to streamline service delivery. 4. Equip social workers with identifiable attire, for enhanced community engagement. 5. Contract with a part time CHW to conduct community outreach 6. Upgrade cell-holding facilities to meet the needs of individuals experiencing mental health crises. 7. Conduct program evaluation using an outside agency dedicated to the effective integration of social work services into law enforcement agencies. More information is available from Grant Writer Candice Peterkin via [email protected].
St. Petersburg
Bridging the Gap: Youth Champions for Community Healing and Trust
Bridging the Gap: Youth Champions for Community Healing and Trust is a community-driven initiative, and its stated goals are to build trust, healing, and understanding between at-risk youth and law enforcement through consistent, trauma-informed programming and community-centered collaboration. Youth Champions targets youth ages 11–17 in Jordan Park, a historically Black neighborhood in St. Petersburg where there has been an uptick in youth related crime since 2020. Youth Champions is held monthly at the Jordan Park Housing Authority. The program consists of three key components: group therapy, wellness support, and officer engagement. The program launched in January 2025 and is scheduled to run through June 2025. Monthly sessions are ongoing and have engaged at least 25 youth, with participation steadily increasing. Early responses within the program indicate increased feelings of support, emotional awareness, and comfort around officers. If awarded, grant funds will sustain the program through 2026, covering costs for clinicians, wellness instructors, meals, and supplies (e.g., journals, stress balls, hygiene kits). Furthermore, they will look to expand to serve additional neighborhoods with high rates of juvenile justice involvement and violence exposure. Lastly, the funds will be used towards supporting external evaluation efforts to measure long-term impacts and guide replication. More information is available from Special Projects Manager Zulekha Foulen [email protected].
Fayetteville
Crisis Intervention Response Team
The Fayetteville Police Department is looking to maintain and enhance their Crisis Intervention Response Team (CIRT). CIRT is a mobile crisis response (MCR) unit, which consists of social services advocates (social worker or community health worker (CHW)) and Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) trained law enforcement officers. CIRT can assist individuals, families, and the community with determining appropriate levels of care for those experiencing crises. They assist by conducting needs assessments, making treatment recommendations, and developing care plans that identify resources for unmet social determinants of health. Internal and external stakeholders’ perceptions of CIRT were positive, as operational success was noted by decreased total call counts and the time officers spent clearing the call. Funding would allow CIRT members to become certified as CHW’s, which provides skills to solve problems through education, informal counseling, social support, outreach, and advocacy. If awarded, FPD would also have the capacity to increase internal and regional training initiatives. Funds would also help to continue partnerships with area resources and resource hubs, including homeless shelters, food pantries, legal services, victim advocacy, and family shelters. Lastly, the funds would be used to maintain a staff of four MCR teams.This would allow CIRT to interact with officers assigned to the night shift and citizens in crisis during night hours. More information is available from Support Services Manager Willie Newman via [email protected].
Berkeley
Reimagining Public Safety (RPS) Initiative
The City of Berkeley Reimagining Public Safety (RPS) Initiative is a bold, multi-phased effort to move beyond traditional law enforcement-centered models toward a holistic, community-driven framework rooted in equity, public health, and prevention. The RPS initiative serves all residents and prioritizes those most impacted by inequities—Black and Brown communities, youth, low-income households, the unhoused, and people in crisis by partnering with numerous community based organizations that focus on these groups. In Berkeley, 42% of households are low income, nearly 20% live below the poverty line, and youth ages 15–24 make up the largest age group. RPS utilizes community policing efforts that target the needs of community groups such as young people, immigrants, and unhoused persons. RPS also uses a mobile crisis response model for mental health and substance use crises through the Bonita House for Specialized Care Unit. Each SCU team is made up of a clinician, a peer support specialist, and an EMT, providing trauma-informed, voluntary care to individuals experiencing crisis, without involving law enforcement unless absolutely necessary. If awarded, grant funds will partially support the Assistant to the City Manager responsible for coordinating the RPS initiative. Funds will also help maintain dedicated staffing to oversee implementation; manage public safety reforms, program evaluations, and deliverables; strengthen cross-sector partnerships and lead communication and engagement strategy coordination; and support updates to the community, City Council, and regional collaborators. More information available from Assistant to the City Manager Carianna Arredondo via [email protected].
Cities with Populations Under 100,000
Kinston
Community Violence Intervention & Prevention Imitative
Kinston is a small town in Eastern North Carolina with significant gun and gang violence. Kinston’s crime rates are 202% higher than the national average. To focus on reducing violent crime in Kinston, specifically gun violence, the City of Kinston Police Department’s Community Violence Intervention & Prevention Initiative was implemented. This initiative operates under the belief that reducing gun crime in Kinston requires a multifaceted approach, blending law enforcement efforts with community support, conflict resolution, and long-term investment in individuals and neighborhoods.
Since the Kinston Initiative has been introduced they have seen a 67% case closure rate and a 63% decrease in shooting crimes. The grant would allow the KPD to expand key areas of the initiative. A large portion of the grant ($30,000) would be used to upgrade current training gear and technology for officers to ensure they are better prepared and equipped to help the community. This includes the implementation of Crime Mapping & Predictive Policing Software to analyze crime patterns and allocate resources more effectively with the help of additional surveillance equipment. Additionally, increased funding ($10,000) will go towards officers in schools to build positive relationships with students, as well as fund neighborhood watch programs, youth mentorship, and engagement events to strengthen police-community relations. The grant ($15,000) would also allow for expansion into their De-escalation & Crisis Intervention Training, Implicit Bias & Cultural Competency Training, and Advanced Tactical Training. Furthermore, resources ($5,000) would be allocated to introduce and expand Cold Case Units, creating dedicated teams to solve long-standing cases. More information is available from Chief of Police Keith Goyette via [email protected].
Wilkinsburg
Police Cadet Sponsorship & Recruitment Incentive Initiative
The Wilkinsburg Police Department is experiencing a significant shortage of officers, which affects response times, proactive policing efforts, and overall public safety. Limited funding for officer training has made it difficult for Wilkinsburg to recruit new officers and nearby, better-funded departments like Pittsburgh are where all the current cadets are drawn to. The Wilkinsburg Police Cadet Sponsorship & Recruitment Incentive Initiative is an investment in public safety that directly addresses all of these problems. If funded, the Cadet Sponsorship Program program intends to cover the tuition and associated costs for cadets to attend the Allegheny County Police Academy, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent dedicated individuals from becoming officers. Furthermore, a $5,000 Recruitment Incentive will be offered to new officers who complete their training and commit to serving in Wilkinsburg. They will also look to utilize funding on community outreach and recruitment efforts to encourage local Wilkinsburg residents to consider a career in law enforcement.
Although this initiative is in its early stages, Wilkinsburg has already seen increased interest from potential cadets who would otherwise be unable to afford police academy training. Similar size counties have also spearheaded similar initiatives with successful results as well. More information is available from Mayor Dontae Comans via [email protected].
White Plains
Youth Police Initiative
The City of White Plains Youth Police Initiative “YPI” training/program integrates a trauma-informed and fair process that allows participating youth and police officers to “reinvent” the way they connect and communicate, breaking down negative stereotypes that often color the relationship between police and young people. They aim to target the underserved and at risk youth. The YPI is a focused prevention and early intervention program where the program brings together a group of teenagers with police officers who patrol their neighborhoods to participate in interactive and structured training. Due to financial restrictions they are only able to host two of these prevention and intervention programs a year. The YPI program intends to utilize this grant to fund a “Train the Trainer” session at approximately $75,000 where White Plains Police Officers and Youth Bureau Staff would be trained to facilitate each program. This will give flexibility to conduct several YPI programs annually and to reach many more young people. The intention of the YPI program is to make policing more understanding and responsive to their local community through consultation, partnership, and collaboration. Since the revitalization of the program in 2022, the Department has hosted many reunions with both the officers and the youth in the programs to see the connections and success the program has made. More information is available from Police Captain James Spencer via [email protected].
Michigan City
Police Department Co-Responder Model: Embedding Mental Health into Policing
The Michigan City Police Department Co-Responder Model: Embedding Mental Health into Policing’s goal is to embed mental health into public safety through a co-responder model, improving outcomes for community members in crisis and supporting officer wellness. The program targets individuals experiencing mental health crises, substance use, homelessness, or high levels of vulnerability, and supports the officers who respond to these calls. Prior to implementation, the department was not well equipped to handle the numerous behavior-health related issues causing repeat calls from the same individuals, emotional stress for both the officers and individuals, and reliance on arrests or traditional means of confrontation when social service referrals would have been more appropriate. The initiative has been active for nearly two years. During this time, they have hired one Police Social Worker who has responded to a range of calls, worked directly with officers and command staff, and begun building a data-informed approach to track progress. The seasonal population surge makes it extremely difficult for the one full time PSW to assist everyone in need. If granted the funds, the city would 1.Expand Coverage During Peak Periods 2. Improve Data and Service Tracking 3. Enhance Outreach Capabilities by equipping the PSW with mobile tools for on-scene engagement. 4. Strengthen Officer Support and Training by facilitating workshops on behavioral health, trauma-informed care, and how to engage the PSW effectively.
Though still early in its implementation, the initiative has shown promising outcomes: – Officers report reduced stress and improved confidence when handling behavioral health-related calls with PSW support. Individuals in crisis are being connected to shelter, mental health providers, and treatment instead of facing arrest. Officers have reported fewer repeat calls involving high-risk individuals who are now seeking support directly through the PSW. More information is available from Police Social Worker Jocelyn Colburn via [email protected].
Inkster
Real-Time Crime Detection and Response Initiative
The City of Inkster Real-Time Crime Detection and Response Initiative goal is to better protect the residents by improving the department’s ability to quickly locate crime scenes, identify suspects, and respond in real-time to gun violence. This proposal aims to enhance public safety by integrating ShotSpotter gunshot detection technology with their already implemented FLOCK license plate recognition (LPR) camera system.The addition of ShotSpotter will allow the PD to detect gunfire immediately, provide officers and detectives with precise location data, and coordinate an efficient response. The idea for this initiative stems from consistent data showing high levels of gun-related incidents in the city—many of which go unreported or are discovered too late for effective evidence collection. If grant funds are awarded, they will be used to purchase and install the ShotSpotter system throughout key areas in Inkster, build the integration framework between ShotSpotter and FLOCK, and train their officers on how to utilize this technology most effectively. They also plan to use a portion of the funds to conduct community outreach helping residents understand how this system works and how it contributes to their safety.
While the FLOCK system has been active for over a year and has already shown positive results, the integration of ShotSpotter is a new enhancement currently in the planning stage. To date, the evidence of success comes from both crime statistics and community feedback. The data shows a decrease in time to identify suspects and an increase in weapon recoveries. More importantly, residents have expressed that they feel safer knowing technology is being used to proactively combat gun violence. More information is available from Chief of Police Tamika Jenkins via [email protected].
Canton
Police Transparency and Guidance Subcommittee (PTAG) – Public Oversight and Accountability Initiative
The Canton Police Transparency and Guidance Subcommittee (PTAG) – Public Oversight and Accountability Initiative goal is to be a transparent community oversight of law enforcement in Canton Township, while ensuring that all materials made available to the public meet federal and state privacy standards. PTAG is designed to reflect the demographics and voices of Canton residents, particularly those historically underrepresented in police oversight processes.The creation of PTAG was rooted in both community advocacy and department initiative. National dialogue on police accountability and transparency inspired residents and officials to call for structured civilian involvement in reviewing police conduct. The Township’s internal tracking shows that the volume of video-based requests has doubled in the past two years. With the absence of automated video redaction tools, there has been inefficiencies in both PTAG’s case review and the Township’s FOIA response workflow. This grant request addresses that shared problem through one integrated solution: secure, automated video redaction software that meets oversight and compliance needs. The funds would go towards the implementation of the software itself as well as the training for the personnel using it. The funds would also go towards creating internal protocols and auditing standards to ensure secure, consistent, and lawful redaction practices across all uses.
Evaluation of PTAG has included public feedback, attendance at community meetings, and tracking of policy changes resulting from its input. PTAG has been active since 2021. Over the past three years, it has reviewed multiple cases, contributed to revisions in use-of force and community interaction policy, and established a model for community-informed policing. Survey responses indicate that residents increasingly view the police department as transparent and accountable. More information is available from Police Chief – Director Chad Baugh via [email protected].
Plainfield
Police and Community Initiative
The Plainfield Police Department (PPD) aims to develop community policing initiatives focused on engaging youth, immigrants, and homeless individuals while also promoting transparency, officer accountability, and providing mental health services for officers through the Plainfield Police and Community Initiative. The policy was prompted by various forms of evidence indicating the disconnect between the police and the diverse communities within Plainfield. This evidence includes community feedback from juvenile centers and school resource officers, who reported that many youth, immigrants, and homeless individuals require more support. With funding the program plans to create new programs, and expand already existing ones. For the immigrant population, the initiative will focus on community outreach, building trust, and partnering with organizations to provide support. The initiative will also address the needs of homeless individuals, by providing resources and connecting them to organizations who have specialized training in various fields. The PPD will also arrange for more mental health support for officers so they can be better equipped to handle diverse communities, promote healthy coping mechanisms, and increase effectiveness of the law enforcement agency. The effort has been underway for several years and has always been a pressing issue within the community. The community feedback has been positive and statistical data demonstrates decreases in crimes, and increased satisfaction levels within Plainfield residents. More information is available from Police Captain Christopher Fortunka via [email protected].
Union City
Community-Oriented Policing and Problem-Solving
The City of Union City proposes the expansion of its Community-Oriented Policing and Problem-Solving (COPPS) Unit through the addition of a dedicated Homeless Outreach Officer (HOO). The primary goal of this initiative is to address the growing homelessness crisis in Union City through proactive engagement and service linkage. The main components of the HOO includes homeless outreach, crisis intervention through partnership with mental health professionals, community collaboration, and resource coordination between the city and the homeless population. If awarded, the $75,000 grant will be applied toward the HOO’s salary and training expenses. Union City is committed to covering the remaining costs through municipal funds. More information is available from Captain Andrew Holt via [email protected].
Perris
Drone Program Expansion
Perris faces unique enforcement barriers due to its ecological terrain, vast open land, hillsides, and undeveloped areas make it difficult for traditional patrol units to effectively monitor and respond to illegal Off Road Vehicle (ORV) activity. In response, the city launched the Perris Police Drone Program to utilize drones to better combat ORV crimes. Since the program’s launch, the City of Perris has seen measurable improvements in several key performance areas. ORV-related complaints have decreased by 31% in targeted enforcement zones. Drone-assisted deployments have resulted in a 22% increase in apprehensions compared to traditional patrol responses alone. Additionally, drone integration has cut down response times to remote incidents by over 40%. With funding, Perris looks to expand the drone program. First, the city will purchase additional drones equipped with advanced features such as thermal imaging and enhanced night-vision capabilities. Second, the city will invest in training and certification for additional personnel, ensuring there is sufficient staff to operate drones during all shifts, including weekends and special events. Third, funds will be used to upgrade existing infrastructure, including video storage systems, data analytics platforms, and drone management software. Finally, a portion of the grant will support public outreach efforts, informing residents about drone use policies, data privacy protection, and ways the community can engage with the program. The anticipated impact of the expanded drone program includes a 60% increase in operational capacity, full coverage of all known ORV hotspots, further reduction in emergency response times, and improved public trust through transparency and results. More information is available from Legislative Analyst Antonio Martinez via [email protected].
East Orange
Arrive Together Program
The Arrive Together Program was launched in May of 2023, this initiative has been a collaborative effort between the EOPD, Clara Maass Medical Center Crisis Unit, and the Orange Police Department. This program was created to address the growing need for a compassionate and clinically informed response to citizens suffering a mental health crisis within the community. Under the program, officers undergo Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) to become certified Crisis Intervention Officers. These specially trained officers are then paired with Mental Health Screeners employed by Clara Maass Medical Center’s Crisis Unit. One of the most innovative elements of the “Arrive Together Program” is its co-responder model. Rather than relying solely on police officers to de-escalate and assess mental health crises, the program integrates trained medical professionals into the response process. Notably, between January and March 2025 alone, 51 individuals have already been helped by the Program. If awarded grant funds, the East Orange Police Department would use them to expand the program, allowing for the deployment of additional co-responder teams and decreasing response times during behavioral health emergencies. Funds would also support advanced training in informed care and cultural competency, enhance outreach to residents about the program’s availability and purpose, and build the infrastructure necessary for data collection and evaluation. More information is available from Grant Administrator Pulisha Brisson via [email protected].
Champaign
Community Gun Violence Reduction Blueprint
The City of Champaign created the Equity and Engagement Department that would serve as the lead for their initiative of dealing with root causes of systemic inequities. The initiative continues making the case for strengthening partnerships between law enforcement, community organizations and a department leading with racial equity at the forefront. One part of this initiative is to provide victims with services designed to navigate the criminal justice system, like trauma support and coordination of resources with organizations collectively called Blueprint partners. The Blueprint partner organizations make up the continuum of providers contracted by the city to provide both prevention and intervention services.
A prominent feature of the department is that those who are affected and not injured or directly struck in a gun violence shooting are then invited to a response meeting by the department. In the most recent evaluation report provided by the SU Institute of Health, Education, Evaluation, Assessment and Research (HEEAR), the evaluator stated, “Community stakeholders voiced their appreciation for the Champaign Police department’s contribution to the Blueprint and community focused efforts to minimize gun violence.” Funding will be used to further strengthen this initiative, by building additional identified capacity training for blueprint partner organizations. This will include more intensive one on one coaching, grant writing workshops, data collection, storytelling training, and collaboration building to ensure sustainability. More information is available from Director of Equity and Engagement Department Rachel Joy via [email protected].
Maywood
Business Resource Officer (BRO) Initiative
The Business Resource Officer (BRO) Initiative is an expansion of Maywood’s existing Community Resource Officer (CRO) program, which launched in late 2022 to improve community trust and engagement through a service-oriented approach to policing. The initiative targets all businesses within the Village of Maywood, with a strong emphasis on supporting historically under-resourced business owners, including people of color, women, immigrants, and those located in disinvested areas. The BRO Initiative embedded law enforcement into the fabric of economic development—not as regulators, but as accessible guides and problem-solvers. Early data suggests a downward trend in citations and code violations in zones where officers maintain regular engagement. A 20% reduction in business-related complaints is anticipated over the next 12 months. If awarded, grant funding will support different types of officer training like economic development and cultural competency training—delivered through their partnership with Joseph Business School. Funding would also go towards additional part-time officers or liaisons dedicated to business support and engagement. Moreover, funding looks to be utilized for communication tools like print and digital materials for business education, including Welcome Kits and scheduling tools for BRO visits. Lastly they plan to use the funding for public events through hosting BRO-led forums, roundtables, and corridor-based business safety summits to foster continuous dialogue and trust-building. More information is available from Special Projects Manager Terri Evans via [email protected].
Tigard
Focused Patrol Officer Program
In 2023 the City of Tigard started a focused patrol officer program downtown to address ongoing quality of life challenges. They address issues with those who are houseless, general problems business owners encounter, graffiti, vandalism, and other quality of life issues. This team also uses bicycle patrols to improve visibility and community interactions. If awarded the grant the city would use the funds to expand the bike patrols using the funds to pay for overtime to broaden their impact on the safety and livability of Tigard. More information available from Chief of Police James McDonald via [email protected].
York
The Impact of GVI
The Group Violence Intervention (GVI) initiative is a collaborative effort dedicated to reducing group-related violence, fostering community engagement, and supporting high-risk individuals. Since its inception over nine years ago, York City’s GVI program has expanded significantly. Comparing York City crime statistics from 2024 to 2023, there has been a 12% reduction in shooting victims and a 45% decrease in fatal and non-fatal shooting incidents. GVI operates through a three-pronged approach that brings together law enforcement, the community, and support services: Law Enforcement: Facilitates direct communication with violent group members, making clear the legal consequences of continued violence. Community Engagement: Local leaders, residents, and service providers work to address the root causes of violence, creating pathways to education, employment, and other social services. Support & Outreach: Staff members, including individuals with similar backgrounds to at-risk individuals, build trust and provide mentorship. With additional resources, the city plans to expand their interventions, enhance their support services, and ensure the progress they’ve made is not only maintained but built upon. More information available from Chief of Staff Scott Miller via [email protected].