State Aid for Police Protection: Communication Encryption Grant Program (SAPC)
The SAPC grant from the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy funds Maryland police agencies to implement AES-256 encrypted communications, enhancing secure, interoperable, and modernized law enforcement operations.
Funder: Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy
Due Dates: August 19, 2026 (User ID Request) | August 28, 2026 (Application Deadline) | September 1, 2026 (Compliance Attestation)
Funding Amounts: $6,000,000 total; typical awards $20,000–$1,000,000; up to 20 awards; 9-month project period
Summary: Supports Maryland law enforcement agencies in upgrading to AES-256 encrypted communications to enhance security, officer safety, and interoperability.
Key Information: Only current SFY27 State Aid for Police Protection (SAPP) fund recipients are eligible; application via Grants Management System is required.
Description
This grant program provides funding to Maryland law enforcement agencies for the procurement, upgrade, and implementation of Advanced Encryption Standard (AES-256) compliant subscriber radios and related equipment. The primary goal is to close encryption gaps, ensure secure communications, improve officer safety, and maintain interoperability with local, state, regional, and federal partners. Funding is intended to help agencies achieve or significantly advance agency-wide implementation of AES-256 encrypted communications, in alignment with national public safety standards and best practices.
