Following Pappas’s Advocacy, Police Accreditation Funding Now Available

Today, Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) applauded a Department of Justice grant opportunity for police departments seeking accreditation, funding he secured in FY 2023 government funding legislation. Pappas advocated for these funds to be dedicated for use by smaller departments, in line with the goals of his EAGLE Act, to help police departments update their standards and best practices to strengthen accountability, enhance community trust, and improve operational effectiveness. Grant applications for funding opened March 15th and will be accepted until May 15th at 4:59 PM ET. 

“From my conversations with law enforcement I know that our local departments need additional funding to serve our communities and pursue priorities like accreditation,” said Congressman Pappas. “These funds will help more departments improve training, raise standards, and implement best practices. I’m thrilled that these funds are now available, and will work to ensure additional funds continue to be available in the coming years.”

Background:

Pappas’s bipartisan Establishing Accreditation Grants for Law Enforcement (EAGLE) Act would authorize $10 million in funding for small and mid-sized police departments to earn or renew accreditation from state, regional, tribal, or national police accreditation organizations, such as the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA).

This legislation is the product of a series of conversations between Pappas, New Hampshire law enforcement officials, and reform advocates from New Hampshire; and is supported by the Fraternal Order of Police and the Small and Rural Law Enforcement Executive Association. All New Hampshire municipal police departments would qualify for funding under Pappas’s legislation.