Sheriff’s office cleared to apply for federal COPS grant; approval subject to attorney review

The Claiborne County Board of Supervisors authorized the sheriff’s office to apply for a federal law enforcement assistance (COPS) grant that could fund additional officers for up to three years, with the county responsible for a 25% match if awarded.

Chief Sykes (representing the sheriff’s office) said the department wanted permission to apply and noted the grant application deadline of July 1. The board discussed that the application could request funding for one to three officers—the final award would determine the county’s matching obligation—and that the grant runs for three years, after which the county would either reapply or assume full costs for any positions the board chose to continue funding.

Supervisors approved the sheriff’s office applying for the grant but conditioned approval on attorney review of application materials. The board agreed that, if the grant is later awarded, the board will need to approve the local matching funds at that time.