HARRISBURG, PA — In a significant push towards enhancing public safety across Pennsylvania, the Shapiro-Davis Administration has announced the allocation of more than $2 million in grants to local law enforcement agencies. This funding initiative, aimed at addressing the gun violence epidemic and other community safety concerns, will support the recruitment and training of high-quality officers to fill over 400 vacant positions within the Commonwealth.
Lt. Gov. Austin Davis, chair of the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD), emphasized the administration’s comprehensive approach to public safety, which includes a $100 million investment in evidence-based strategies for violence prevention. “We’re also investing more into mental health resources and community-based organizations doing violence prevention work,” stated Davis. “But we have to get the policing part right, as well, so local law enforcement agencies can attract high-quality recruits and train them to do their job effectively.”
The announcement was made during a Capitol news conference attended by key representatives from the Northern York County Regional Police, Millersville University Police Department, and Susquehanna Township Police. They highlighted the grant’s role in enhancing their departments’ capabilities to meet the evolving public safety needs of their communities. Chief David Lash of Northern York County Regional Police noted, “Having a full complement allows us to keep our communities and our officers safer. We can better attack problem areas and spend additional time on investigations.”
This funding is part of the Recruitment Incentives for Law Enforcement grant program initiated by PCCD, which has seen a significant uptake since its announcement in December 2023. The program’s success underscores the critical need for innovative solutions to law enforcement staffing challenges amid rising public safety concerns.
State Rep. Carol Hill-Evans applauded the initiative, recognizing the pivotal role of law enforcement in community safety. “I’m grateful for PCCD’s continued investment into programs that support police workforces across the Commonwealth,” she said.
Eligible applicants for the grant include local law enforcement agencies, campus or university police, railroad or street railway police, airport authority police, and county park police. The deadline for the next round of grant applications is April 8, with more information available on PCCD’s active funding announcements webpage.
This strategic investment in law enforcement recruitment and training represents a key component of the Shapiro-Davis Administration’s broader commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of Pennsylvanians. By addressing both the immediate and underlying factors contributing to crime and violence, the state aims to foster safer, more resilient communities across the Commonwealth.
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