HARRISBURG, Pa. (WKBN) – A local police department is among several agencies across Pennsylvania receiving grant funding to support recruitment.

The Shapiro-Davis administration is giving a total of $2 million in grant funding, and Farrell is receiving $25,000.

This isn’t the first time the administration has encouraged a boost in law enforcement enrollment recently. In February, Governor Josh Shapiro lifted requirements to take the state trooper exam, resulting in a boost of applications.

In addition to application boosts, now funding will go toward hiring and training 412 new police officers to fill vacant positions in 51 selected entities across the Commonwealth, according to a press release from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD).

“Every Pennsylvanian deserves to feel safe in their communities, and making sure communities have enough police officers on the beat is a key component for public safety,” said Lt. Gov. Austin Davis, chair of PCCD.

“Through this funding law enforcement entities can fill gaps which will, in turn, improve safety in our communities,” said Lt. Gov. Davis.

In December 2023, PCCD announced the first group of selected applications, which comprised 20 law enforcement agencies. Since then, PCCD has accepted 31 more agency applications to receive approximately $1 million combined in grant funding.

The funding supports Act 120, a mandatory training program for municipal police officers in Pennsylvania provided through the Municipal Police Officers’ Education and Training Commission (MPOETC).

Through the Local Law Enforcement Support (LLES) Grant Program established in 2022, eligible law enforcement agencies may request up to $7,000 per new officer to support training costs.

Priority consideration in awards goes to law enforcement agencies serving areas with high rates of violent crimes, according to the press release.

The solicitation will remain open for eligible law enforcement agencies to submit applications until all funding is committed. Awards will be announced on a rolling basis as applications are considered.

Applicants can find more information on funding requirements and how to apply on PCCD’s active funding announcements webpage.