LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced on Monday, October 17 that $30 million in grant scholarships are now available to help local law enforcement agencies hire more police officers.
The scholarships are also set to provide funding to help cover basic law enforcement training academy costs and recruit salaries for those employed by a law enforcement agency and enrolled in a academy session.
According to the governor’s office, law enforcement agencies are eligible for up to $4,000 per recruit for salaries and benefits, and up to $20,000 for academy tuition and other training costs traditionally paid for by employing agencies.
Funding for the Public Safety Academy Assistance Program is coming from the Fiscal Year bipartisan budget for 2023 Whitmer signed in July. The state adds that law enforcement agencies can receive as many as 25 scholarships under the program, which will last until Sept. 30, 2026 or until funds are depleted.
“As a former prosecutor, public safety is a top priority, and I will work with anyone to ensure state and local law enforcement agencies have the resources, personnel, and training they need to keep our communities safe,” said Whitmer. “After listening to law enforcement across the state, we are delivering $30 million in funding to help them hire additional officers. This funding is a critical component of our plan to boost investment in public safety across the state. Every Michigander deserves to feel safe while going to the grocery store, dropping their kids off to school, or taking a walk around the block.”
Program highlights include:
- $30 million in total program funding.
- Agencies may receive up to 25 scholarships over the course of the program.
- The grant program will last until September 30, 2026, or until the appropriated funds are expended.
- The grant does not apply to recruits who are not already hired by an agency prior to academy enrollment.
Additional program details and application can be found on the MCOLES website.
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