Grants & Funding

Law enforcement grants play a vital role in strengthening public safety and community trust. These funds provide police departments with the resources needed to invest in modern equipment, advanced training, and innovative programs that would otherwise be difficult to afford through local budgets alone. Grants help agencies address emerging challenges such as technology-driven crime, community engagement initiatives, and officer wellness programs. By securing grant funding, departments can expand their capabilities, improve efficiency, and ensure they are better prepared to protect and serve their communities.

In Summary

From FY2019–FY2025, the Kinston Police Department has actively aligned with over a dozen state, federal, and specialty programs, securing more than $900,000 in support to enhance:

Officer safety
Community trust
Crime reduction strategies
Youth engagement
Training and accreditation
Mental health and wellness
Emergency response readiness

These partnerships position KPD as a forward-leaning agency committed to innovation, accountability, and community-focused policing.

1. Traffic Safety & Highway Enforcement Programs

KPD partners with the North Carolina Governor’s Highway Safety Program (NCGHSP) to reduce traffic fatalities, impaired driving, and roadway risks through targeted enforcement and public awareness.

FY25 NCGHSP Traffic Safety Grant – $16,500 (Open)

2. Accreditation, Training & Professional Standards

KPD is committed to improving professionalism, operational standards, and accreditation readiness through national training initiatives.

FY25 COPS “Supporting Law Enforcement Agencies in Seeking Accreditation” – $51,270 (Open)
FY22 COPS “Law Enforcement De-Escalation Grant” – $150,000 (Closed)

3. Officer Wellness, Mental Health & Workforce Support

KPD invests heavily in officer mental health, trauma awareness, and long-term wellness.

FY25 Mental Health & Wellness Awareness Act Grant – $137,000 (Open)

4. Violent Crime Reduction & Community Safety Initiatives

Focused deterrence, gang violence reduction, and evidence-driven enforcement remain key priorities.
KPD participates in state and federal programs such as:

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) – FY22 & FY21 Awards totaling $44,249 (Closed)
Byrne Justice Assistance Grants (JAG) – Annual DOJ support from FY20–FY25 totaling more than $100,000 for equipment, technology, and crime-reduction tools.

5. Public Safety Equipment & Officer Protection

KPD prioritizes officer safety through federal vest and ballistic protection programs.

Patrick Leahy Bulletproof Vest Partnership (BVP), FY22 & FY24 – $11,232 (Closed)

6. Emergency Preparedness & Response Capacity

Federal supplemental programs support operational resilience and emergency response capability.

FY20 BJA Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding – $79,924 (Closed)

7. Youth Justice & Community Development Initiatives

KPD participates in programs designed to reduce juvenile crime, increase prevention services, and support local youth.

FY19 Governor’s Crime Commission Juvenile Justice Grant (Closed)

8. Specialized Units & K-9 Support Programs

KPD’s K-9 Unit benefits from national partnerships supporting specialized training and deployment.

FY23 USPCA ACK Reunite K9 COP Grant – $7,500 (Closed)

9. Local and Regional Economic Development Support

KPD contributes to regional resilience and capacity-building through state budget and management programs.

FY23 NC OSBM Regional Economic Development Reserve Grant – $250,000 (Closed)