LAKEWOOD - The Office of Adult and Juvenile Justice Assistance, within the Division of Criminal Justice, has begun accepting grant applications for the State’s Mission for Assistance in Recruiting and Training (SMART) grant program through April 23, 2024.
“We are committed to making Colorado one of the ten safest states and this support for local law enforcement is an important part of that work. We are building on proven strategies to reduce and prevent crime in our communities, and giving law enforcement the resources they need to be successful. I encourage agencies around the state to apply now,” said Governor Jared Polis.
SMART offers funding opportunities for law enforcement agencies to help increase community-diverse representation of P.O.S.T. certified and non-certified law enforcement officers in the communities they serve.
Eligible entities include; county and municipal law enforcement agencies including those serving rural jurisdictions, tribal law enforcement agencies, and third-party membership organizations on behalf of a law enforcement agency.
Projects eligible for funding include:
- Costs associated with eligible law enforcement officers' salaries and benefits, recruitment, and training;
- Training in equity, diversity, and inclusion for P.O.S.T.-certified and non-certified law peace officers;
- Provide, or assist in the provision of child care for peace officers;
- Create partnerships with schools, school districts, colleges, or universities to develop and implement internship or mentorship programs for students interested in a career in law enforcement;
- Partnerships with schools, school districts, or youth services organizations to develop and implement youth programs to foster a positive relationship between youth and law enforcement and to foster early interest in law enforcement careers;
- Develop and implement education campaigns for law enforcement workforce recruitment, retention, and tuition assistance;
- Implement any other strategy demonstrated to recruit, train, and retain a high-quality and diverse law enforcement workforce if deemed appropriate by the Division.
Since its inception, the SMART Grant Program has awarded nearly $4,170,578 to thirteen (13) Colorado law enforcement agencies increasing its law enforcement workforce to mirror the diverse community it serves, which includes diversity and background inclusive of culture, language, gender, and additional groups lacking representation, and training supporting the roles.
To prepare and assist applicants for the SMART grant application process, the Division of Criminal Justice is hosting office hours on the following dates:
Wednesday, April 3, 2024, 1 to 2 p.m.
Monday, April 8, 2024, 10 to 11 a.m.
Thursday, April 18, 2024, 1 to 2 p.m.
For a list of requirements and further details, visit the Division of Criminal Justice's website for more details.
###