STOW — Police Chief Michael Sallese is pleased to announce that the Stow Police Department will receive $159,210 in grant funding to support key public safety initiatives.
The police department received $139,278 from the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office), allocated by the U.S. Department of Justice. The COPS Office aims to advance community policing nationwide by supporting state, local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement agencies in carrying out vital public safety missions.
Stow Police will use this grant funding to support its effort to achieve professional accreditation through the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission (MPAC).
Accreditation is a self-initiated, lengthy and comprehensive evaluation process. Participating departments complete an internal self-review and an external assessment by MPAC experts. The process is a voluntary evaluation by which police departments strive to meet and maintain the top standards of law enforcement.
Funding will be used to purchase evidence lockers, gun lockers, cameras and policy management software, as well as support the attendance of future accreditation conferences. The grant will allow for additional compensation for the two union members working on the accreditation process ensuring that there will not be any interference with normal job duties.
“These grants will have a significant impact as we work toward accreditation and continually improve the work we do on behalf of residents,” said Chief Sallese.
Additionally, Stow Police received $19,932.44 Municipal Road Safety Program grant from the from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS), allocated by the Office of Grants and Research (OGR).
The Municipal Road Safety Program grant will fund overtime costs for additional patrols and specialized campaigns. The funding will be used for the implementation of a mounted speed feedback sign for use by the Police Department and the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee.
The grant funding will also be used for providing elementary school students educational items during the new bicycle safety portion of the tour of the police station. Additionally, officers will provide reflective vests for residents who attend future bicycle safety courses at the station.
“On behalf of the Town of Stow, I would like to thank EOPSS for this generous grant,” said Town Administrator Denise Dembkoski. “The safety of Stow residents is our top priority, and this grant will help us keep our roads and residents safe.”
About the FFY 2023 Municipal Road Safety (MRS) Grant Program
The Office of Grants and Research (OGR) allocated $5 million in FFY 2023 grant funding to municipal police departments within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Grants are designed to provide substantial flexibility in addressing local traffic safety issues, allowing funding beyond enforcement to include equipment options and developing novel traffic safety programs.
About the FY 2023 Community Policing Development (CPD) Accreditation Program
Community Policing Development (CPD) Accreditation program funds are used to develop the capacity of law enforcement to implement community policing strategies by providing guidance on promising practices through the development and testing of innovative strategies; building knowledge about effective practices and outcomes; and supporting new, creative approaches to preventing crime and promoting safe communities.
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