COPS Office Awards Grants to Native-American Law Enforcement Agencies

Last week, Attorney General Michael B. Mukasey and the <a href=http://www.cops.usdoj.gov/ target=New_Window>Office of Community Oriented Policing Services</a> (COPS) awarded grants totaling $14.9 million to 80 tribal police departments and governments in 22 states. The funds support tribal law enforcement efforts to reduce crime and disorder, and to enhance the services that they provide.

The grants were awarded under COPS Tribal Resources Grant Program (TRGP), which funds the purchase of crime-fighting technology systems and basic law enforcement equipment. The grants can also be used to procure training and technical assistance.

Since 1995, COPS has provided more than $314.4 million to support Native-American law enforcement agencies. This includes $237.6 million in grants made through the TRGP.
"Tribal police departments are an important part of the nation's law enforcement network, and it is vital that they have the resources to do their jobs. These grants will help ensure that tribes are better prepared to fight crime and to protect their communities," said Attorney General Michael B. Mukasey.

The TRGP is part of a broader federal initiative to bolster the capacity of tribal law enforcement agencies. All federally recognized tribes with established police departments are eligible to receive TRGP funding.