2026-27 Regional Policing Assistance Program
2026-27 Regional Policing Assistance Program supports municipalities forming or expanding regional police departments to improve coverage, consistent enforcement, recruitment, and efficiency.
Funder: Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency
Due Dates: October 1, 2026 (Round 1) | January 7, 2027 (Round 2, if funds remain) | April 8, 2027 (Round 3, if funds remain)
Funding Amounts: $1 million available; up to $200,000 for new departments or $100,000 for expansions, over 24 months
Summary: Supports intergovernmental cooperation to create full-time, full-service regional police departments or expand existing departments by adding chartered municipalities.
Key Information: Applications must include fully executed Articles of Agreement or an Intergovernmental Agreement establishing a regional police department.
Description
The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD), through its Office of Justice Programs, administers this program using federal Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) funds. It supports municipalities forming new full-time, full-service regional police departments and established regional departments adding chartered municipalities. The goals include consistent enforcement across municipalities, improved recruitment and deployment, more efficient training and personnel use, career advancement, professionalism, and long-term cost savings.
Supported work includes standardizing uniforms, patrol vehicles, communications equipment, and computer technology; addressing legal costs associated with pensions and collective bargaining; and supporting accreditation, diversity training, and recruitment. Rebranding is also eligible, while new departments may receive limited support for police chief salary and benefits. Anticipated benefits include improved police coverage, training opportunities, and technology use.
