The funds awarded will be used by the RCPI network to support local law enforcement efforts by applying community policing principles to emerging issues such as public trust, terrorism awareness and emergency response, and problem solving for community safety.
"The Regional Community Policing Institutes have proven to be an excellent resource for law enforcement professionals and local leaders as they work together to ensure community safety," said COPS Director Carl R. Peed. "The structure of the network allows each RCPI to focus on developing and delivering consultative services and training on the issues of greatest concern to the law enforcement officials and community leaders within a specific region of the country. Law enforcement priorities in Kansas are different from those in New York, and the regional focus of each RCPI allows them to offer the most relevant and appropriate services possible.
COPS provided start-up funding for the RCPI Network in 1997 in an effort to ensure that law enforcement officials and local leaders had access to resources that would help them effectively implement community policing strategies. The RCPIs are partnerships between law enforcement, higher education institutes, and community organizations. Since their inception, the RCPIs have trained more than 342,000 law enforcement personnel, community members, and government leaders.
In addition to supporting the RCPIs and providing community policing technical assistance resources, COPS has invested more than $11.3 billion toward the advancement of community policing.
