FY26 COPS Hiring Program

The COPS Hiring Program is administered by the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services within the U.S. Department of Justice. The COPS Office is responsible for advancing community policing practices nationwide by supporting law enforcement agencies with funding, training, and technical assistance. This program is part of a broader federal effort to improve public safety outcomes through partnerships, problem-solving, and proactive policing strategies. The funding opportunity is designed to strengthen the capacity of law enforcement agencies to implement community policing approaches that address crime and public safety concerns at the local level. The primary purpose of this program is to provide funding to state, local, territorial, and tribal law enforcement agencies to hire or rehire full-time career sworn officers or deputies. The program supports increasing the number of officers engaged in community policing activities, which include building partnerships, addressing root causes of crime, and improving trust between law enforcement and communities. Funded activities must align with specific problem or focus areas identified by applicants, such as violent crime, school safety, nuisance abatement, homeland security, or other innovative community policing strategies. Funding under this program covers up to 75 percent of entry-level salary and fringe benefits for approved positions over a three-year period. The maximum federal share is $125000 per position across the full funding period unless a waiver is granted. Recipients are required to provide a local cash match of at least 25 percent unless a waiver is approved based on fiscal distress. Funds are limited to allowable personnel-related costs, and agencies must cover any expenses exceeding entry-level salary levels. Additionally, up to 2 percent of the federal share may be used for administrative costs. Eligible applicants include established and operational law enforcement agencies with primary law enforcement authority in their jurisdiction. This includes state, county, city, township, special district, and tribal governments. Agencies must demonstrate that they have the legal authority and operational capacity to provide law enforcement services. Applicants must also comply with federal requirements, including non-supplanting rules, background investigations for hired officers, and retention requirements. Funded positions must be retained for at least 12 months beyond the three-year funding period. The application process requires submission through two systems. Applicants must first complete and submit the SF-424 form through Grants.gov by July 23, 2026, followed by a full application submission in JustGrants by July 29, 2026. Required components include standard applicant information, data forms, a detailed budget with justification, and any applicable supporting documents such as memoranda of understanding for school resource officers or letters of support. Applications are reviewed competitively based on alignment with program priorities, demonstrated need, and the applicant’s capacity to implement the proposed project. Awards are expected to be announced on or after October 1, 2026, with a period of performance of up to 60 months to allow time for hiring and implementation. The program is offered annually as part of federal appropriations, and funding is contingent upon availability of funds and policy priorities. Agencies are evaluated based on their ability to meet program goals, including increasing community policing capacity, addressing identified public safety challenges, and demonstrating measurable progress through reporting and performance data. For assistance, applicants may contact the COPS Office Response Center via phone or email as listed in the program materials.

Align proposal with priority focus areas such as violent crime or school safety and clearly demonstrate community policing impact and capacity