Buckeye will receive $500,000 from a U.S. Justice Department grant to pay part of the salaries for four new officers who will focus on domestic violence and human trafficking. The City Council approved the grant at its Nov. 18 meeting.
Under the agreement, Buckeye will fund the remaining $931,412 to cover the total cost of more than $1.4 million. Another $162,100 will be required from BPD's budget to equip them.
The four officers will be part of a team focusing on "community engagement and empowerment, forensic research, technical analysis and assistance, preventive education and investigative work product and follow-up," according to a city document. "The team will strive to coordinate a network of complementary organizations that often work independently of each other."
According to the document, the new officers will also focus on domestic violence concerns, sexual assault cases and human trafficking. The hiring process will seek individuals who display an "ability to communicate effectively with community groups, implement community problem-solving programs, implement digital forensic analysis and conduct effective criminal intelligence."
The FY25 COPS Hiring Program Grant Award is offered through the DOJ's Office of Community Oriented Policing, also known as the COPS Office.
The grant is scheduled for fiscal years 2026-2031. When the three-year period is complete, BPD is required to retain the officers through its general funding budget for another year. The city's grant team will seek more funding to prepare for that time, according to the document, if BPD does not reduce or eliminate the positions.
