This bill establishes a new grant program, the Law Enforcement Hiring Support Grant, under the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968. The COPS Director is authorized to award competitive grants to States, local governments, and law enforcement agencies to boost recruitment. Grant funds can be used for developing marketing and recruitment campaigns and for operating "Pathways to Policing" programs. The "Pathways to Policing" programs are designed to help candidates, especially those facing barriers or lacking prior experience, enter full-time law enforcement positions by providing financial support and training. Priority for grants will be given to applicants seeking to recruit individuals from underrepresented or nontraditional backgrounds and those who will serve the communities where they reside or relocate. Additionally, the Attorney General is directed to develop and implement nationwide marketing and recruitment campaigns targeting similar groups. The bill authorizes an appropriation of $50,000,000 for the grant program and another $50,000,000 for the nationwide campaign, both for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030.
This bill establishes a new grant program, the Law Enforcement Hiring Support Grant, under the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968. The COPS Director is authorized to award competitive grants to States, local governments, and law enforcement agencies to boost recruitment. Grant funds can be used for developing marketing and recruitment campaigns and for operating "Pathways to Policing" programs. The "Pathways to Policing" programs are designed to help candidates, especially those facing barriers or lacking prior experience, enter full-time law enforcement positions by providing financial support and training. Priority for grants will be given to applicants seeking to recruit individuals from underrepresented or nontraditional backgrounds and those who will serve the communities where they reside or relocate. Additionally, the Attorney General is directed to develop and implement nationwide marketing and recruitment campaigns targeting similar groups. The bill authorizes an appropriation of $50,000,000 for the grant program and another $50,000,000 for the nationwide campaign, both for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030.