SPOKANE, Wash. – The Department of Justice, as part of its 2023 Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) awards, awarded $1.7 million to communities across Eastern Washington.
The City of Kennewick was a recipient, receiving $129,173 in support of Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act Implementation projects.
Further east, Washington State University received $133,178 in the Supporting Law Enforcement Agencies in Seeking Accreditation grant and Eastern Washington University received an award in the 2023 COPS Hiring Program of $250,000 to hire two officers.
“Local law enforcement is a crucial component of our mission to make and keep the communities of Eastern Washington safe and strong,” said United States Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref. I am pleased these funds will be used give critical support to the work law enforcement is doing on our streets and schools.”
Soap Lake in Grant County joined EWU in receiving $125,000 for one new officer.
The Republic School District in Ferry County was given $244,026 for a School Violence Prevention Program grant.
Lastly, the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation earned an Equipment and Training Award and was rewarded with $827,661.
In total, the COPS program has awarded $334 million to public safety across the United States, hiring over 1,730 new officers in the process.
The full list of recipients and funding amounts can be found here.