Opportunity Information: Apply for O COPS 2023 171550
The FY23 Law Enforcement Agency De-Escalation Grants - Community Policing Development (CPD) solicitation is a discretionary grant opportunity from the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office), designed to strengthen law enforcement agencies capacity to carry out community policing through practical, evidence-informed improvements in training, policies, and organizational practices. The program is rooted in the idea that community policing is not a single program, but an agency-wide philosophy that relies on partnerships and problem-solving to address the conditions that contribute to crime, disorder, and fear of crime. Through CPD, the COPS Office aims to help agencies identify, test, and expand promising practices, while also generating usable knowledge products that can be shared across the field. The solicitation emphasizes that this work should align with broader national priorities, including protecting civil rights, advancing racial equity, increasing access to justice, supporting victims and people impacted by the justice system, improving community safety, and building trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
This particular CPD track focuses on de-escalation and is framed around the ongoing public concern about police use of force. The COPS Office defines de-escalation as a set of verbal and nonverbal skills and decision-making approaches that help officers slow situations down, improve situational awareness, conduct sound threat assessments, and use time, options, and resources to reduce the likelihood of injury or physical confrontation. A key theme in the solicitation is that de-escalation should be approached holistically: it is not only about tactics in a moment of crisis, but also about community engagement, procedural justice, and organizational systems that reinforce safer outcomes. The goal is a comprehensive, whole-agency approach that pairs training with internal supports such as use-of-force data review, after-action learning, and community-informed policies that encourage de-escalation as the default mindset.
Funding under this solicitation is expected to be awarded in multiple grants, with an award ceiling of up to $250,000 per award and an estimated 46 awards. Eligible applicants are limited to state, local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement agencies; applicants outside those categories will not be considered. The central intent is to support whole-agency training efforts in three linked areas: de-escalation, implicit bias, and duty to intervene. The grant can pay for costs that commonly limit agencies ability to train at scale, including overtime needed for staff to participate. It can also support sending training personnel to nationally certified train-the-trainer programs in these topic areas, allowing agencies to sustain training beyond the life of the grant. Beyond training delivery, the solicitation explicitly supports broader organizational change work that helps institutionalize de-escalation, such as analyzing use-of-force incidents, conducting after-action reviews, updating policies and procedures, creating internal marketing or promotional materials that reinforce expectations, and other efforts aimed at building a lasting culture of de-escalation.
The solicitation draws a clear boundary around what it will not fund. Projects are considered out of scope if they are centered only on hands-on tactical instruction, force-on-force exercises, or other training that does not directly support a de-escalation mindset. Similarly, proposals that mainly seek to buy technology are not competitive unless the technology is integrated into a broader de-escalation, implicit bias, and duty-to-intervene training strategy. The guidance recognizes that tools like virtual reality or augmented reality (VR/AR) can be useful for scenario-based learning and skills maintenance, but it stresses that these investments must be tied to a comprehensive program and cannot be primarily about firearms or tactical capacity-building. If an agency proposes VR/AR or simunitions, it is expected to explain how those tools advance de-escalation and related objectives, rather than simply increasing the volume of use-of-force decision training.
A notable administrative requirement involves third-party training providers. If an application proposes using outside trainers or curricula (whether brought on-site or accessed through sending staff to external programs), the COPS Office will require post-award review and approval of the specific provider and curriculum before funds can be committed. In other words, an agency can be awarded the grant without having its chosen vendor automatically approved; final authorization for that training content happens after award acceptance. The solicitation also points out that the COPS Office already supports no-cost, nationally certified de-escalation training through regional training centers, and it encourages agencies to consider complementary activities such as developing online modules for the COPS Office Online Training Portal, creating roll-call videos and toolkits, reviewing policy manuals, and improving internal learning systems.
Applicants are expected to propose work that meets two practical objectives: first, establishing or enhancing officer training in de-escalation, implicit bias, and duty to intervene; and second, implementing organizational improvements that reinforce de-escalation as part of the agencys culture and operations. Applications must clearly identify deliverables, which may include training deliveries, curriculum or online training development, policy updates, communication products, toolkits, and analytic outputs such as call-for-service analysis and after-action review findings. Agencies should also plan to report on the number of officers who complete training during the grant period. Importantly, deliverables created with grant funding may be shared with the COPS Office De-Escalation National Coordinator to support training efforts nationwide, while proprietary vendor materials are not shared. For written products, applicants are instructed to follow the COPS Office Editorial and Style Manual, and proposals involving site-specific work are encouraged to include letters of support from targeted agencies to show buy-in and readiness.
The opportunity is authorized under federal law, including the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (as amended) and the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, and awards depend on the availability of appropriated funds and any legal requirements that apply. Programmatically, the solicitation emphasizes producing guidance and knowledge products that reflect principles of good guidance: being quality-driven and action-oriented, evidence-based and consistent with the best available research, accessible and written in clear language, and memorable enough to be used in real-world, high-stress policing situations. Basic administrative details include the funding opportunity number (O-COPS-2023-171550), CFDA number 16.710, and an original closing date of May 15, 2023, with the COPS Office listed as the issuing agency within DOJ. For applicant support, program questions are directed to the COPS Office Response Center by phone (800-421-6770) or email (AskCopsRC@usdoj.gov) during standard weekday business hours, excluding federal holidays.Apply for O COPS 2023 171550
- The Department of Justice, Community Oriented Policing Services in the law, justice and legal services sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "FY23 Law Enforcement Agency De-Escalation Grants -Community Policing Development Solicitation" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 16.710.
- This funding opportunity was created on Mar 30, 2023.
- Applicants must submit their applications by May 15, 2023. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $250,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 46 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1) What is the FY23 Law Enforcement Agency De-Escalation Grants - Community Policing Development (CPD) opportunity?
This is a discretionary grant opportunity from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office). It is designed to strengthen law enforcement agencies' capacity to carry out community policing through practical, evidence-informed improvements in training, policies, and organizational practices, with this CPD track focused specifically on de-escalation.
2) What is the main purpose of the CPD program?
The CPD program supports agencies in identifying, testing, and expanding promising practices and in producing usable knowledge products that can be shared across the policing field. The solicitation frames community policing as an agency-wide philosophy based on partnerships and problem-solving to address conditions that contribute to crime, disorder, and fear of crime.
3) How does the solicitation define de-escalation?
The COPS Office defines de-escalation as a set of verbal and nonverbal skills and decision-making approaches that help officers slow situations down, improve situational awareness, conduct sound threat assessments, and use time, options, and resources to reduce the likelihood of injury or physical confrontation.
4) What does a "whole-agency" approach mean in this grant?
The solicitation emphasizes that de-escalation should be addressed holistically. That means pairing training with organizational systems and supports (for example, use-of-force data review, after-action learning, and community-informed policies) that reinforce safer outcomes and encourage de-escalation as the default mindset.
5) What national priorities should proposed work align with?
The solicitation states that proposed work should align with broader national priorities including protecting civil rights, advancing racial equity, increasing access to justice, supporting victims and people impacted by the justice system, improving community safety, and building trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
6) Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible applicants are limited to state, local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement agencies. Applicants outside those categories will not be considered.
7) How much funding is available per award?
The award ceiling is up to $250,000 per award.
8) How many awards does the solicitation expect to make?
The solicitation estimates approximately 46 awards.
9) What training areas are central to this grant?
The solicitation centers on whole-agency training efforts in three linked areas: de-escalation, implicit bias, and duty to intervene.
10) What kinds of costs can the grant pay for related to training?
The grant can pay for costs that commonly limit agencies' ability to train at scale, including overtime needed for staff to participate in training.
11) Can the grant support train-the-trainer programs?
Yes. The solicitation supports sending training personnel to nationally certified train-the-trainer programs in de-escalation, implicit bias, and duty to intervene so agencies can sustain training beyond the life of the grant.
12) Besides training delivery, what organizational changes can be supported?
The solicitation explicitly supports broader organizational change work to institutionalize de-escalation, such as analyzing use-of-force incidents, conducting after-action reviews, updating policies and procedures, creating internal marketing or promotional materials that reinforce expectations, and other efforts aimed at building a lasting culture of de-escalation.
13) What types of projects are considered out of scope?
Projects are considered out of scope if they are centered only on hands-on tactical instruction, force-on-force exercises, or other training that does not directly support a de-escalation mindset.
14) Are technology purchases allowed under this solicitation?
Proposals that mainly seek to buy technology are not competitive unless the technology is integrated into a broader de-escalation, implicit bias, and duty-to-intervene training strategy.
15) Can virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR) be included?
VR/AR may be included for scenario-based learning and skills maintenance, but the solicitation stresses these investments must be tied to a comprehensive program. They cannot be primarily about firearms or tactical capacity-building, and applicants are expected to explain how the tools advance de-escalation and related objectives.
16) If an agency proposes simunitions or scenario-based tools, what must it explain?
The agency is expected to explain how those tools advance de-escalation and related objectives, rather than simply increasing the volume of use-of-force decision training.
17) What is the requirement for using third-party training providers or curricula?
If the application proposes outside trainers or curricula (whether brought on-site or accessed by sending staff to external programs), the COPS Office will require post-award review and approval of the specific provider and curriculum before funds can be committed.
18) Does receiving an award automatically approve the proposed training vendor or curriculum?
No. The solicitation explains that an agency can be awarded the grant without having its chosen vendor automatically approved; final authorization for the training content occurs after award acceptance through post-award review and approval.
19) Does the COPS Office offer any no-cost de-escalation training options?
Yes. The solicitation notes that the COPS Office supports no-cost, nationally certified de-escalation training through regional training centers.
20) What additional or complementary activities does the solicitation encourage?
The solicitation encourages activities such as developing online modules for the COPS Office Online Training Portal, creating roll-call videos and toolkits, reviewing policy manuals, and improving internal learning systems.
21) What are the two practical objectives applicants are expected to meet?
Applicants are expected to propose work that (1) establishes or enhances officer training in de-escalation, implicit bias, and duty to intervene, and (2) implements organizational improvements that reinforce de-escalation as part of the agency's culture and operations.
22) What deliverables should an application identify?
Applications must clearly identify deliverables, which may include training deliveries, curriculum or online training development, policy updates, communication products, toolkits, and analytic outputs such as call-for-service analysis and after-action review findings.
23) Is there an expectation to track how many officers complete training?
Yes. Agencies should plan to report the number of officers who complete training during the grant period.
24) Can deliverables created with grant funding be shared beyond the agency?
Yes. Deliverables created with grant funding may be shared with the COPS Office De-Escalation National Coordinator to support training efforts nationwide. The solicitation also notes that proprietary vendor materials are not shared.
25) Are there formatting or writing requirements for written products developed under the grant?
For written products, applicants are instructed to follow the COPS Office Editorial and Style Manual.
26) Are letters of support recommended for site-specific work?
Yes. For proposals involving site-specific work, the solicitation encourages including letters of support from targeted agencies to show buy-in and readiness.
27) What is the funding opportunity number and CFDA number?
The funding opportunity number is O-COPS-2023-171550, and the CFDA number is 16.710.
28) What was the original closing date listed in the solicitation?
The solicitation lists an original closing date of May 15, 2023.
29) What laws authorize this opportunity?
The opportunity is authorized under federal law including the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (as amended) and the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994.
30) Are awards guaranteed?
No. The solicitation states that awards depend on the availability of appropriated funds and any legal requirements that apply.
31) What guidance principles does the solicitation emphasize for knowledge products?
The solicitation emphasizes that guidance and knowledge products should be quality-driven and action-oriented, evidence-based and consistent with the best available research, accessible and written in clear language, and memorable enough to be used in real-world, high-stress policing situations.
32) Who is the issuing agency?
The issuing agency is the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office).
33) Where should applicants direct program questions?
Program questions are directed to the COPS Office Response Center by phone at 800-421-6770 or by email at AskCopsRC@usdoj.gov during standard weekday business hours, excluding federal holidays.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Law, Justice and Legal Services
Next opportunity: FISCAL YEAR 2023 NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION EXCHANGE NETWORK GRANT PROGRAM SOLICITATION NOTICE
Previous opportunity: FY 2023 Hazardous Materials State Inspection (HMSI) Grant NOFO
Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for O COPS 2023 171550
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (O COPS 2023 171550) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| FY23 Community Policing Development (CPD) Invitational Solicitation Apply for O COPS 2023 171556 Funding Number: O COPS 2023 171556 Agency: Department of Justice, Community Oriented Policing Services Category: Law, Justice and Legal Services Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| OJJDP FY 2023 Mentoring Programs for Youth in the Juvenile Justice System Apply for O OJJDP 2023 171695 Funding Number: O OJJDP 2023 171695 Agency: Department of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention Category: Law, Justice and Legal Services Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Model Acts 2023 Apply for MAP MAP 23 001 Funding Number: MAP MAP 23 001 Agency: Office of National Drug Control Policy Category: Law, Justice and Legal Services Funding Amount: $2,500,000 |
| FY 2023 Collaborative Reform Initiative: Organizational Assessment and Critical Response Solicitation Apply for O COPS 2023 171691 Funding Number: O COPS 2023 171691 Agency: Department of Justice, Community Oriented Policing Services Category: Law, Justice and Legal Services Funding Amount: $3,500,000 |
| FY 2023 Collaborative Reform Initiative: Invitational Solicitation Apply for O COPS 2023 171655 Funding Number: O COPS 2023 171655 Agency: Department of Justice, Community Oriented Policing Services Category: Law, Justice and Legal Services Funding Amount: $1,750,000 |
| OJJDP FY 2023 Second Chance Act Youth Reentry Program Apply for O OJJDP 2023 171707 Funding Number: O OJJDP 2023 171707 Agency: Department of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention Category: Law, Justice and Legal Services Funding Amount: $2,650,000 |
| OJJDP FY 2023 AMBER Alert Training and Technical Assistance Program Apply for O OJJDP 2023 171617 Funding Number: O OJJDP 2023 171617 Agency: Department of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention Category: Law, Justice and Legal Services Funding Amount: $4,400,000 |
| OVW Fiscal Year 2023 STOP Formula Grant Program - Solicitation Apply for O OVW 2023 171624 Funding Number: O OVW 2023 171624 Agency: Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women Category: Law, Justice and Legal Services Funding Amount: $17,000,000 |
| OJJDP FY 2023 Second Chance Act Addressing the Needs of Incarcerated Parents and Their Minor Children Apply for O OJJDP 2023 171713 Funding Number: O OJJDP 2023 171713 Agency: Department of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention Category: Law, Justice and Legal Services Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| FY23 Tribal Resources Grant Program - Technical Assistance Apply for O COPS 2023 171555 Funding Number: O COPS 2023 171555 Agency: Department of Justice, Community Oriented Policing Services Category: Law, Justice and Legal Services Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| FY23 COPS Blue Alert Program Apply for O COPS 2023 171720 Funding Number: O COPS 2023 171720 Agency: Department of Justice, Community Oriented Policing Services Category: Law, Justice and Legal Services Funding Amount: $130,000 |
| OJJDP FY 2023 Multistate Mentoring Programs Initiative Apply for O OJJDP 2023 171717 Funding Number: O OJJDP 2023 171717 Agency: Department of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention Category: Law, Justice and Legal Services Funding Amount: $4,000,000 |
| Implementation of the Gang Resistance Education And Training (G.R.E.A.T.) Program – Training and Technical Assistance Support through Central America Apply for INL23GR0029 WHPCARSI GREAT 041423 Funding Number: INL23GR0029 WHPCARSI GREAT 041423 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics-Law Enforcement Category: Law, Justice and Legal Services Funding Amount: $1,350,000 |
| Women and Security Conference 2024 Apply for OFOP0001064 Funding Number: OFOP0001064 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics-Law Enforcement Category: Law, Justice and Legal Services Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Improving Practical Skills in Serbia's Legal Education Apply for INL23GR0032 EASERBIA LEGALEDU 04182023 Funding Number: INL23GR0032 EASERBIA LEGALEDU 04182023 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics-Law Enforcement Category: Law, Justice and Legal Services Funding Amount: $400,000 |
| OJJDP FY 2023 Eliminating Records Barriers to Youth Success Apply for O OJJDP 2023 171734 Funding Number: O OJJDP 2023 171734 Agency: Department of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention Category: Law, Justice and Legal Services Funding Amount: $1,500,000 |
| OJJDP FY 2023 Family Treatment Court Program Apply for O OJJDP 2023 171736 Funding Number: O OJJDP 2023 171736 Agency: Department of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention Category: Law, Justice and Legal Services Funding Amount: $850,000 |
| Countering the Trafficking of Protected Marine Species in South Asia Apply for SFOP0009700 Funding Number: SFOP0009700 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics-Law Enforcement Category: Law, Justice and Legal Services Funding Amount: $1,500,000 |
| Monitoring Justice Processes in Environmental Defender Cases in Peru Apply for INL23CA0031 WHPPERU ENVIRODEF 042123 Funding Number: INL23CA0031 WHPPERU ENVIRODEF 042123 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics-Law Enforcement Category: Law, Justice and Legal Services Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| OJJDP FY 2023 Youth Violence Prevention Program Apply for O OJJDP 2023 171718 Funding Number: O OJJDP 2023 171718 Agency: Department of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention Category: Law, Justice and Legal Services Funding Amount: $250,000 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "O COPS 2023 171550", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.