Bill > S1316

This bill amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to establish the COPS Strong Communities Program, which provides competitive grants to local law enforcement agencies to help officers and recruits attend law enforcement training programs. Under the program, eligible officers and recruits must agree to serve as full-time law enforcement officers for at least 4 years within 8 years of completing their training, and must work in a local law enforcement agency close to their long-term residence (within 7 miles in most cases, or 20 miles in counties with fewer than 150,000 residents). Eligible training entities include institutions of higher education and local law enforcement agencies that offer law enforcement training programs. If participants do not complete their required service, they must repay the benefits they received, though the Attorney General will establish regulations for extenuating circumstances. The bill also requires annual reporting to congressional judiciary committees about grant recipients, including details on the number of officers trained, their locations, and their continued employment. This program aims to encourage local recruitment and retention of law enforcement officers by supporting their professional training and community-based service.

Justice

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/1316/all-info