Grants for Sheriff's Cars

Justice Assistance Grants

The U.S. Department of Justice offers Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grants (JAG) as a way to fund many types of law enforcement expenses. Last year, there was $368.26 million available to local, state and U.S. territory law enforcement agencies. Money can buy cars or equipment, pay for training and go toward any number of general expenses. Of the funding appropriated for 2011, $246 million is for states and territories and $122 million is for local applicants. JAG uses a formula that examines populations and crime rates to determine grant sizes. Along with police and sheriff's departments, funding can go to agencies such as courts, corrections, drug rehabilitation and educational outreach.

Sheriffs' departments in rural communities -- those with 20,000 residents or fewer in non-urban communities -- can pay for cars with grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Emergency Responders Initiative. The program is a part of the USDA's Community Facilities Grant program, which pays for the construction or renovation of public amenities. The emergency responders initiative awards grants for equipment and services at public health and safety agencies. Grants are available to law enforcement, fire protection, hospitals and animal shelters, among other public services. Local government offices, Native American tribes and nonprofits can apply.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency had almost $330 million for public safety organizations to prepare for emergencies through the Emergency Management Performance Grants program in 2011. Sheriff's departments needing vehicles to prepare for major emergencies, such as natural disasters, could find assistance from these grants. Funding can go toward preparation and training exercises. FEMA provides grants to states and U.S. territories, which can use the money themselves or create sub-grants for local agencies.

State agencies and nonprofit organizations often target grants to sheriff and police departments within defined areas. New York's Division of Criminal Justice, for example, provides grants to law enforcement agencies in its state to cover a broad list of expenses, including cars, equipment, training and operational costs. The Border Enforcement Grant program also provides funding, from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. The program gives grants to states along the border with Mexico to cover any law enforcement expenses related to improving border patrol. Sheriffs and other officers looking for more local grants can begin by contacting their state-level police agencies or justice departments.