The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office is applying for a federal grant to get funds for more officers.
The Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) grants are funded through the U.S. Department of Justice, and are meant to assist law enforcement agencies with staffing needs.
“We’ve taken advantage of them in the past to supplement and increase our sworn staffing – primarily with the argument that we’re a fast growing community and that we’re not able to keep up with the human resource that is needed to engage in and fulfill our community policing mission,” said Stafford Sheriff Charles Jett.
The county was awarded a COPS grant in 1999 and was able to hire 10 new officers.
According to Jett, applying for these grants has gotten very competitive.
“We’ve seen the amount of money dwindle, in regards to nationwide, the amount is available to grantees. We’ve also seen it become extremely competitive, as a number of law enforcement agencies laid off officers during the economically challenging times…for us, we’re making the case that we’ve already made before the board of supervisors and that’s that through our sheriff’s office staffing strategic plan, we were able to demonstrate that currently we are 30 field positions down,” said Jett.
The COPS funding allows for a 5% increase in sworn officers – which would be 8 positions for Stafford, according to Jett.
In total, Stafford County could receive up to $1 million, and there is a local matching responsibility that the Stafford County Board of Supervisors would have to agree to. The board gave Jett the approval to apply for the grant last month.
For Jett, this funding would allow the county to offer better response times and community outreach.
“It would enhance and increase service delivery. As we’re now showing that our response times are not where we want them to be on emergency calls – it’s also showing that our deputy currently has a minimal amount of proactive community policing time to engage in the community, in problem solving activities….it would [also] reduce the financial impact on the community,” Jett commented.
The winners of the COPS grants will be announced before the end of September.
Recent Stories
Prince William County’s Board of Supervisors easily approved the fiscal year 2025 budget with a few changes on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, to take effect on July 1.
School officials in Prince William County say Antisemitic symbols were found painted on the side of Coles Elementary and Benton Middle schools near Woodbridge.
Manassas City Council held a public hearing on the city’s budget, as residents once again are facing the prospect of paying more in taxes.
On April 22, 2024, at approximately 2:16 a.m., the Manassas City Police Department responded to a 911 call for shots fired in the 9100 block of Winterset Drive.
To celebrate Air Quality Awareness Week (May 6-10, 2024), Clean Air Partners is working with A Few Cool Hardware Stores to exchange DC, Maryland and Virginia residents’ gas-powered lawnmowers, trimmers, and leaf blowers at select Ace Hardware locations in the region. DMV residents who turn in their gas-powered lawn tools will receive a FREE Ego Power+ replacement including batteries and chargers, while supplies last.
Compared to gas, electric lawn equipment can reduce emissions, noise pollution, health risks and maintenance costs and time. The program aims to remove about a hundred gas-powered polluting tools from yards in the greater Baltimore-Washington region.
The exchanges will take place the weekends of May 17-19, 2024, and May 31-June 2, 2024, at A Few Cool Hardware Stores network of employee-owned Ace Hardware stores in the DC and Baltimore metro areas. To participate and get your free Ego Power+ lawn tool, sign up at https://qrco.de/CAPExchange to reserve your tool and select your trade-in date and location.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by life’s challenges? Do stress and anxiety seem to dominate your thoughts? At Peaceful Mind Solutions, we understand that navigating mental health can be daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone.
Our team of compassionate therapists is here to guide you on your journey toward inner peace and emotional well-being. With a client-centered approach, we tailor our therapy sessions to meet your unique needs and goals. Whether you’re struggling with depression, coping with trauma, or simply seeking personal growth, we provide a safe and supportive space for healing and growth.
Embark on a path of self-discovery with our comprehensive range of therapy services, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness practices, and holistic approaches. Our experienced therapists are dedicated to helping you cultivate resilience, develop coping skills, and foster a greater sense of self-awareness.
Free Irish Music Concert
Welcoming Spring with music from the Emerald Isle, the New Dominion Choraliers offer a FREE concert on Saturday, April 27 at 7:30 p.m. at the First United Presbyterian Church of Dale City.
Joined by Legacy Brass and members of Old
Spring Ceili: An Irish Music Festival
The New Dominion Choraliers of Prince William County and McGrath Morgan Academy of Irish Dance invite you to join them at our Ceili, a grand celebration of Irish music and dance.
A gathering of performance groups throughout Prince William County
