President's 2010 Budget Released: Significantly Increases Funding for Law Enforcement Priorities

On May 7, 2009, President Obama released his fiscal 2010 budget proposal.  The budget shows that the administration and the attorney general listened closely during the many meetings they have had with NAPO over the past several months and heard the priorities of the law enforcement community.  The proposal shows a commitment to expanding and supporting the COPS hiring program; to helping state and local law enforcement along the border in dealing with illegal aliens and criminals; and to supporting law enforcement in its fight to protect the homeland through grant funds and federal support.  This as a sign that the administration is serious about fulfilling its promise to NAPO of making state and local law enforcement a full partner in the national strategy to combat crime.

Below is the summary of the funding for the major state and local law enforcement grant programs included in the President’s Fiscal 2010 Budget request:

Department of Justice:

·        $761 million for the COPS Office, of which $298 million is for the COPS hiring program;

·        $519 million for the Byrne-JAG formula grant program;

·        $30 million for the Byrne competitive grants (awards grants to state, local, and tribal government agencies, for-profit and non-profit organizations, and faith-based and community organizations to improve the functioning of the criminal justice system and assist victims of crime); and

·        $25 million for the BVP grant program.

Department of Homeland Security:

• $950 million for SHSGP, with at least 25% of all funds (approximately $237.5 million) directed to the LETTP. In addition, $60 milliom of the total amount for SHSGP is slated for use in Operation Stonegarden to focus on the Nation's Southwest Border security issues;
• $887 million for the Urban Area Security Initiative, with at least 25% of all funds (approximately $221.75 million) directed to the LETTP;
• $50 million for the Interoperable Communications Grant program;
• $250 million for the Port Security Grant program; and
• $250 million for the Public Transportation Security Grant program.

If you have any questions about the President’s fiscal 2010 budget proposal, please contact NAPO’s Director of Governmental Affairs, Andy Mournighan, at (703) 549-0775.