Cops Office Awards $92.7 Million To Help First Responders With Crisis Communications
The U.S. Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) has awarded $92.7 million to 26 law enforcement agencies to develop interoperable communications networks that enable emergency service personnel to communicate directly during crises. The grants will offset the cost of purchasing voice and data communications equipment, enhancing communications infrastructures, and project management.
The grants were awarded under the COPS Interoperable Communications Technology Grant program, which increases the number of interoperable communications systems used nationally by law enforcement, fire service, and emergency medical service agencies in the same metropolitan area. Each city is required to provide a 25 percent match of the federal funds, up to a maximum of $6 million.
To ensure the greatest possible public benefit, COPS invited the primary jurisdiction from the three largest Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSA) in each state and territory — and the 50 largest MSA’s in the country — to apply for grants.
After eliminating duplications from these two categories and MSAs that have previously received grants, there were 138 prospective applicants. Of this pool, 91 jurisdictions applied and 26 are being awarded grants.
