FY26 Safer Outcomes Program

The Safer Outcomes: Enhancing Crisis Response Training for Law Enforcement 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 nationwide by supporting state, local, territorial, and tribal law enforcement agencies through grant funding and technical resources. This funding opportunity is designed to align with broader federal priorities focused on improving public safety outcomes and strengthening trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve. The program emphasizes evidence-based training strategies that reduce the likelihood of harm during police encounters, particularly those involving vulnerable populations. The primary purpose of this program is to expand access to high-quality de-escalation and crisis response training for law enforcement officers and associated personnel. Funding supports training initiatives that address one or more key focus areas, including de-escalation techniques, responses to individuals experiencing mental or behavioral health crises, interactions with individuals with disabilities, participation in crisis intervention teams, and referrals to community-based services. The program also allows for integration of mental health professionals into crisis response models and supports curriculum development for training academies and regional training centers. The funding opportunity is structured into three distinct categories. Category one supports direct training implementation by law enforcement agencies. Category two provides continuation funding for regional de-escalation training centers, including coordination roles at the national level. Category three focuses on integrating crisis response and de-escalation concepts into law enforcement academy curricula and statewide training standards. Each category includes specific requirements related to training design, delivery, evaluation, and sustainability. Applicants must demonstrate that training programs include clear objectives, experienced instructors, scenario-based learning, and evaluation mechanisms such as pre- and post-assessments. Funding may be used for a variety of allowable activities including training delivery, curriculum development, co-responder models involving mental health professionals, and development of training materials such as toolkits and presentations. However, the program excludes funding for purely tactical training, standalone equipment purchases without a training component, and activities unrelated to de-escalation or crisis response. Importantly, there is no cost sharing or matching requirement associated with this funding opportunity, which lowers barriers to participation for eligible entities. Eligibility varies by category but generally includes state, local, territorial, and tribal law enforcement agencies, as well as certain educational institutions and nonprofit organizations with relevant prior funding experience. For academy and training commission funding, eligible applicants must have authority over law enforcement training standards or curriculum development. Applicants must also comply with federal requirements related to information sharing and program administration. The application process requires submission through a two-step system involving Grants.gov and JustGrants, with required components including the SF-424 form, budget documentation, project timeline, and in some cases a detailed proposal narrative and supporting materials. The application timeline includes a deadline of August 27, 2026 for submission of the SF-424 form in Grants.gov and a final deadline of September 3, 2026 for submission of the full application in JustGrants. Awards are anticipated to be announced on or after October 1, 2026, with a performance period of 24 months beginning on that date. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with program goals, quality of training design, demonstrated need, and the applicant’s capacity to implement and sustain the proposed activities. Priority consideration may be given to agencies serving rural communities, those collaborating with federal law enforcement, and those demonstrating strong data reporting practices. Applicants seeking additional information or assistance may contact the COPS Office Response Center via phone or email during standard business hours. Additional technical support is available through Grants.gov and JustGrants help desks. This program represents a significant federal investment in improving law enforcement training and promoting safer outcomes during crisis encounters through structured, evidence-based approaches.

Ensure training programs include scenario based learning measurable outcomes and qualified instructors emphasize partnerships with mental health professionals and demonstrate clear evaluation methods