PIZZI FAMILY COMMUNITY RELATIONS GRANT
The Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP) and the Law Enforcement Foundation (LEF) are pleased to announce a grant opportunity for Ohio community policing programs. The Law Enforcement Community Relations Support Program encourages initiatives to improve the relationship between law enforcement and the community.
Two (2) $1,000 grants will be awarded per year to OACP member agencies who develop sustainable and unique programs which enhance their image and make a positive impact upon the communities they serve.
Eligibility Requirements
-Member of the OACP
-New program that can be established within six months of the grant.
-Can be an existing measurably successful program that cannot be sustained without new funding source.
-Must address at least one of the following priorities.
Program Priorities
Trust
-Programs targeting geographies where citizens whose distrust of law enforcement tends to be high.
-Programs connecting law enforcement officers with individual citizens, community leaders, influencers and groups of the public in non-enforcement settings and situations.
-Opportunities for local community leaders and influencers to gain better insight with law enforcement, such as ride-a-longs, training exercises (i.e. de-escalation, etc.)
Communication
-Encourage open communications between law enforcement officers and those they serve.
-Educational programs with the public, which allows citizens to better understand the law enforcement’s role in the community, their commitment to the public and how to interact with law enforcement officers in enforcement settings.
-Workshops for law enforcement officers to improve and use public interaction tools and skills.
Youth Opportunities
-Improving the opportunities for youth to lead productive lives by reducing the likelihood of becoming involved in criminal behavior and finding purpose.
-Youth oriented programs intended to encourage positive behavior, good citizenship and future opportunities.
-Recruitment
Programs recognizing and rewarding law enforcement officers for self-initiated positive and meaningful contact with the public.
Improved success in law enforcement officer recruitment by building a positive image of law enforcement officers within the community.
Current programs in jeopardy due to lack of funding will be given a higher consideration than those current programs not in jeopardy.
Funding for this grant program is sponsored by Mark and Maria Pizzi through The Pizzi Family Fund of the Delaware County Foundation.
Applications must be postmarked by March 15, 2024. The Review Committee will evaluate all applications and notify grant recipients by April 1, 2024. Checks will be mailed by April 15, 2024.
For more information, contact Executive Director Donna Harrass at donna.harrass@oacp.org.