Police Accountability, Community, and Transparency Grant (PACT)
Description
Police Accountability, Community, and Transparency Grant supports law enforcement agencies across the State of Maryland with the development of effective accountability procedures to achieve their goals of lawfulness and legitimacy while enhancing community relations and transparency. Funds are intended to increase safety, provide training for law enforcement, promote safe communities, and encourage community engagement between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
History
In 2021, the Maryland General Assembly passed the Maryland Police Accountability Act of 2021 (House Bill 670/Chapter 59, 2021) which makes various changes that generally relate to law enforcement throughout the State of Maryland. Among other changes, the law:
- Established provisions that relate to a statewide accountability and discipline process for law enforcement.
- Altered requirements for the Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission (MPTSC) regarding training and police certification.
- Established two higher education financial assistance programs for law enforcement officers.
- Increased civil liability limits applicable to police misconduct lawsuits.
- Required reporting on SWAT team activity and use of force complaints.
These provisions, as well as the specified language relating to the MPTSC, went into effect July 1, 2022. However, the MPTSC provisions are also contingent on the execution of Senate Bill 71/Chapter 60, 2021.
The Office developed the PACT grant program to ensure that law enforcement departments across the State were in compliance with the Act’s requirements by July 1, 2023.
Categories Funded
- Contractual Services
- Equipment
- Operating Expenses
- Personnel
- Travel
- Other
Eligible Applicants
- County Government Agencies
- Local Law Enforcement
- State Government Agencies
- State Law Enforcement
Documents
Notices of Funding Availability (NOFA)
Dates
Projected NOFA Release Month
April
Projected Application Month
June