$1.6 Million in Federal Grants Provided for
California Law Enforcement Training Centers
September 11, 2003

Washington DC - Law enforcement training centers in California will receive $1.6 million in grants awarded by the Department of Justice's Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), Senator Feinstein announced today.

"This is good news on an otherwise somber day," Senator Feinstein said. "As we reflect on the tragedy of September 11, we must not forget how important it is to provide proper training for our law enforcement officers - men and women who stand at the very front line of our war on terror and protect our communities. "

The training centers, known as Regional Community Policing Institutes (RCPI), are strategically located throughout the country to address regionally specific crime prevention training needs of law enforcement agencies and communities in all 50 states. RCPIs provide community policing training and technical assistance to both law enforcement officers and members of the community that work collaboratively with local law enforcement. Since 1997, when the RCPI's were introduced, they have trained nearly 210,000 officers and citizens.

Training provided by the RCPIs cover topics such as rural community policing, cultural diversity, homeland security, community mobilization, conflict resolution, crime mapping and analysis, violence prevention, organizational change, problem oriented policing, and enhancing integrity within a law enforcement agency.

"For years now, I have been a strong supporter of the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, which has already funded more than 120,000 officers on the beat and many innovative projects, including Regional Community Policing Institutes," Senator Feinstein said.

In California, $800,000 will be provided for the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department; $400,000 for the Sacramento Police Department; and $400,000 for the City of San Diego.

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