Federal Grant Award Summary

The City of Watervliet Police Department received a $200,000 Project Grant from the U.S. Department of Justice Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Office under the Public Safety Partnership and Community Policing Grants program (CFDA 16.710), awarded October 1, 2025, with completion targeted for September 30, 2027. The grant funds the purchase and installation of a prefabricated evidence storage building designed to support the department's pursuit of initial law enforcement accreditation through the New York State Law Enforcement Accreditation Program (NYSLEAP). The facility will provide secure, organized, and environmentally controlled storage for evidentiary materials while meeting stringent accreditation standards for property control, chain of custody, and facility security.

The prefabricated structure will be installed on existing city-owned property without requiring additional construction or renovations in compliance with National Environmental Policy Act restrictions. Project implementation includes procurement, installation, staff training, and policy alignment under NYSLEAP guidance. The department has committed to sustaining accreditation efforts beyond the grant period through integration of the evidence facility into standard operating procedures, annual training, budgeting initiatives, and internal evidence audits.