Principal Deputy Associate Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer delivered remarks on September 17, 2024, to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Office. In his speech, Mizer highlighted the significant milestones achieved by the COPS Office over three decades.
"The last 30 years have seen tremendous changes in policing," Mizer stated. He emphasized that the COPS Office has been instrumental in providing critical resources, training, and support to law enforcement agencies nationwide. This assistance has enabled these agencies to implement community policing strategies tailored to their specific needs.
Mizer noted that through grants, technical assistance, and research, the COPS Office has empowered law enforcement agencies to engage with their communities effectively. "The Office has worked to make sure the community is at the table – that community policing isn’t just a slogan, but a practice," he said.
He announced several new awards aimed at furthering the mission of the COPS Office:
- Nearly $14 million in microgrants and other Community Policing Development products and services.
- Over $4.2 million for Promoting Access to Crisis Intervention Teams.
- $6.6 million for an accreditation program supporting police departments and sheriff’s agencies seeking independent credentialing.
- $7.5 million for Collaborative Reform programs offering various forms of assistance to law enforcement agencies and communities.
Mizer also praised the adaptability and innovation of the COPS Office in addressing evolving challenges such as the opioid epidemic, officer safety and wellness, technology use in policing, and evidence-based practices.
"In its earlier years, the COPS Office developed a network of regional community policing institutes," Mizer remarked. These institutes have evolved into centers providing DOJ-approved training on de-escalation, tolerance, diversity, and anti-bias at no charge.
Additionally, he mentioned that the COPS Office maintains "the largest online library devoted to community policing," available free of charge to law enforcement.
As he concluded his remarks, Mizer stressed that while celebrating past achievements is important, there remains much work ahead. "We must continue to invest in community policing," he urged. He thanked Director Clements for his leadership and acknowledged both past and present staff members of the COPS Office for their dedication.
"I look forward to a bright future of service, innovation, and partnership," Mizer concluded.