OCJS Announces Grant Opportunity to Support Local Violent Crime Reduction Initiatives

(COLUMBUS, Ohio) - The Office of Criminal Justice Services (OCJS) today announced the availability of $3.4 million in grant funding to help local law enforcement agencies implement new violent crime reduction strategies in their communities.

Governor Mike DeWine prioritized continued funding for the Ohio Violent Crime Reduction Grant Program in the state's 2026-2027 operating budget. Since the launch of the program in 2021, over $84 million has been awarded to nearly 200 local law enforcement agencies for targeted programs and technology that aid in preventing and solving incidents of violent crime.

This year's grant will prioritize funds for communities with crime rates higher than the state average for violent crime or domestic violence. Also new this year will be options to pursue cold cases using forensic genetic genealogy or to prevent, reduce, or eliminate violent crimes associated with drug trafficking and/or firearms by working with multijurisdictional law enforcement task forces. Agencies seeking funding must use promising or proven crime reduction strategies.

The Ohio Violent Crime Reduction Grant Request for Proposals (RFP) is available for advanced viewing via the OCJS website for two weeks. A bidders training for interested applicants is scheduled during this preview period for Nov. 24. The grant system will not be opened for application entries until Dec. 1. Any interested applicants should plan to attend the training for detailed understanding of the changes to the RFP. The application deadline is Jan. 8, 2026 at 5 p.m.

Funding awarded through the grant program can be used toward technology, equipment, training, technical assistance, analytical tools/support, and overtime costs related to implementing crime reduction strategies.

OCJS strongly encourages all potential applicants to review the webinar that outlines strategies specific to violent crime reduction, Reducing Violent Crime: Strategies and Funding Opportunities for Law Enforcement. Additional evidence-based programs and practices specific to this grant application can be found here. Agencies that wish to apply for this funding must be prepared with a proposed strategy that fits their community's needs in advance of the application.

OCJS is a division of the Ohio Department of Public Safety. By statute, OCJS is the lead justice planning and assistance office for the state, administering millions of dollars in state and federal criminal justice funding every year. OCJS also evaluates programs and products, develops training, resources, and best practices for criminal justice professionals and communities.