Bill > HB973

This bill establishes the Municipal Police Enhancement and Consolidation Grant Program and its associated fund to improve municipal police departments and encourage their consolidation. The program, administered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (CCD), will provide grants to municipalities for various purposes, including consolidating police services, achieving accreditation (certification by a recognized body that a department meets professional standards), training officers, and implementing community outreach programs. Grants can be used for costs related to consolidation, personnel, technology, equipment like body cameras, and developing policies aligned with best practices. The maximum grant amount is $100,000 per department, and funds must supplement, not replace, existing funding. A dedicated Municipal Police Enhancement and Consolidation Grant Program Fund will be established to hold appropriated money, with 25% designated for consolidation grants and 75% for accreditation, training, and community outreach. The bill also mandates a report on the program's effectiveness by the Local Government Commission.