FY24 Safer Outcomes: Enhancing De-Escalation and Crisis Response Training for Law Enforcement – Support for Law Enforcement Agencies | O COPS 2024 172150

FAQs: FY24 Safer Outcomes - Enhancing De-Escalation and Crisis Response Training for Law Enforcement (Support for Law Enforcement Agencies)

1) What is the FY24 Safer Outcomes: Enhancing De-Escalation and Crisis Response Training for Law Enforcement - Support for Law Enforcement Agencies program?

It is a discretionary grant opportunity from the U.S. Department of Justice, administered by the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office), focused on helping law enforcement agencies implement or expand de-escalation and crisis response training and related supports.

2) What is the main goal of this grant?

The central aim is to improve safety during police encounters involving people in crisis by helping agencies put de-escalation and crisis response training into place, along with supports that strengthen real-world crisis response.

3) Who is the awarding agency?

The awarding agency is the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) through the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office).

4) Is this a discretionary grant?

Yes. The program is described as a discretionary grant opportunity.

5) What types of activities does the funding support?

Funding is intended specifically for implementing or expanding training focused on de-escalation and crisis response, plus related supports that strengthen how agencies respond during real-world crisis incidents.

6) Who can be trained under this program?

The program supports training for sworn law enforcement officers and for support personnel employed by law enforcement agencies who may be involved in crisis-related calls or operational coordination.

7) Can mental health professionals be trained using these funds?

Yes, mental health professionals can be trained if they work as part of crisis intervention teams and are either (a) employees of the law enforcement agency, or (b) working with the agency under a formal legal agreement.

8) Why does the program include training for mental health professionals in some cases?

The program structure is meant to encourage coordinated crisis responses where officers and mental health partners share common approaches, terminology, and expectations when responding to crisis situations.

9) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to government law enforcement agencies at the state, local, territorial, and tribal levels.

10) Are nonprofits, universities, or individuals eligible to apply?

No. The opportunity is not broadly open to general nonprofits, universities, or individuals; it is designed for government law enforcement agencies with direct policing and crisis response responsibilities.

11) What is the program identifier (CFDA) for this grant?

The grant is listed under CFDA 16.710.

12) What is the opportunity number?

The opportunity number is O COPS 2024 172150.

13) What was the application deadline?

Applications were due on July 23, 2024 (the original closing date listed in the opportunity details).

14) What type of award is expected?

Awards under this solicitation are grants.

15) What is the maximum award amount?

The expected maximum (ceiling) amount is $350,000 per award.

16) How many awards were anticipated?

The program anticipated making about 60 awards.

17) When was the opportunity record created?

The opportunity record was created on May 30, 2024.

18) What kinds of situations is the program trying to improve outcomes for?

The program is positioned to reduce risk, improve decision-making, and promote safer outcomes during encounters with individuals experiencing behavioral health crises or other acute distress.

19) Does the program focus only on officer training, or does it also include other agency roles?

It includes sworn officer training and also training for support personnel employed by law enforcement agencies who may be involved in crisis-related calls or operational coordination.

20) Does the program encourage coordination between law enforcement and behavioral health partners?

Yes. The program explicitly allows training for qualified mental health professionals connected to crisis intervention teams under the conditions described, supporting a coordinated approach to crisis response.