State Aid for Police Protection: Communication Encryption Grant Program (SAPC)
Forecasted
The SAPC grant from the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy funds Maryland law enforcement agencies to upgrade to AES-256 encrypted communications for secure, interoperable public safety operations.
Funder: Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy
Due Dates (Anticipated): August 2027 (Full application) | August 2027 (Deadline to request GMS User ID)
Funding Amounts: Up to $6,000,000 total; awards range from $20,000–$1,000,000 for a 9-month project period.
Summary: Supports Maryland law enforcement agencies in upgrading to AES-256 encrypted communications to enhance security, officer safety, and statewide interoperability.
Key Information: Only current recipients of State Aid for Police Protection (SAPP) funds are eligible to apply.
Description
This grant program, administered by the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy, is designed to support Maryland law enforcement agencies in procuring, upgrading, and implementing Advanced Encryption Standard (AES-256) compliant radios and related equipment. The initiative aims to close gaps in encrypted communications, improve officer safety, and ensure secure interoperability with local, state, regional, and federal partners during both routine and emergency operations. Funding prioritizes agencies with unmet encryption needs and aligns with national public safety communication standards.
