The arizona association of chiefs of police (aacop) has successfully administered the arizona law enforcement accreditation program (aleap) since 2018, offering arizona law enforcement agencies a…

The Department of Justice Community Oriented Policing Services Program awarded the Arizona Association of Chiefs of Police $299,999 on October 1, 2025, under the Public Safety Partnership and Community Policing Grants program (CFDA 16.710) to expand law enforcement accreditation access across Arizona.

The recipient will establish an Accreditation Support Coordinator position and launch the ALEAP Microgrant Program to remove financial barriers for up to 20 small and rural agencies. Microgrants will cover accreditation enrollment fees, Arizona-specific policy manuals, PowerDMS accreditation management software, and consulting support from ALEAP-certified professionals. AACOP will develop a second-tier accreditation program tailored to sheriff's departments, addressing jail operations, court security, and search and rescue standards not fully covered by current accreditation frameworks. The organization will conduct outreach to tribal and rural agencies through regional workshops, digital campaigns, and a mentorship network connecting accredited agencies with those pursuing accreditation, alongside expanded marketing and engagement efforts.

AACOP has administered the Arizona Law Enforcement Accreditation Program since 2018, currently serving over 50 agencies statewide. The grant period runs through September 30, 2027, with performance based in Gilbert, Arizona. The funding is structured as assistance, supporting the COPS Office mission to enhance law enforcement effectiveness and community policing capacity through organizational strategies and community partnerships.

The arizona association of chiefs of police (aacop) has successfully administered the arizona law enforcement accreditation program (aleap) since 2018, offering arizona law enforcement agencies a cost-effective, locally governed path to accreditation. Over the past five years, aleap has grown significantly, now serving over 50 agencies statewide. However, many small, rural, and tribal agencies remain unable to participate due to financial constraints, limited staffing, or unique operational needs. This grant program will directly address these challenges through a comprehensive initiative to expand accreditation access, improve program sustainability, and enhance the quality of law enforcement services across arizona. At the heart of this effort is the creation of a accreditation support coordinator position. A major component of this proposal is the launch of the aleap microgrant program, designed to remove financial barriers for up to 20 small and rural agencies. These microgrants will offset critical expenses including accreditation enrollment fees, acquisition of comprehensive arizona-specific policy manuals, accreditation management software (powerdms), and individualized consulting support from aleap-certified professionals. In addition, aleap will establish a specialized working group to develop a second-tier accreditation program tailored to the unique duties of sheriff's departments, including jail operations, court security, and search and rescue areas not fully addressed by current accreditation standards. A robust outreach strategy will engage tribal and rural agencies through regional workshops, targeted digital campaigns, and a mentorship network connecting accredited agencies with those pursuing accreditation. Aleap will also enhance communications with expanded marketing efforts, informational materials, and direct engagement with arizona's diverse law enforcement community.