🚔 A message to the leaders of the City of Kinston NC since they seem not to know...Who Actually Applies for Police Grants and give a few million dollar relief to tax payers of Kinston NC !!!

Police departments don’t just automatically get federal or state money — someone has to apply for it. Here’s how it works:

1. Police Department Leadership

• Police Chiefs and Command Staff often initiate grant applications.

• They identify needs (new equipment, training, technology, personnel) and direct staff to pursue funding.

  
  

2. City or County Government

• City Managers, Finance Directors, or County Administrators may oversee the grant process.

• They ensure compliance with local budgeting rules and coordinate across departments.

  
  

3. Grant Writers / Administrative Staff

• Many departments employ or contract professional grant writers.

• These specialists prepare applications, gather data, and ensure proposals meet federal/state requirements.

  
  

4. State Agencies

• In North Carolina, for example, the Governor’s Crime Commission administers federal funds (like Byrne JAG grants) and requires local police departments to apply through them.

  
  

5. Federal Agencies

• Departments apply directly to federal programs such as:

  • DOJ COPS Office (Community Oriented Policing Services)

  • Byrne Justice Assistance Grants (JAG)

  • Homeland Security Grants (for terrorism prevention, emergency response)

  • Highway Safety Grants (traffic enforcement, DUI checkpoints)

    
    

📌 Key Point for Kinston (or towns like it)

• The Police Chief usually identifies the need.

• The City Manager or Finance Office ensures the application fits the city’s budget plan.

• A grant writer or administrative staffer actually prepares and submits the application.

• The City Council may need to approve acceptance of the grant once awarded.

  
  

Final Statement

The time for excuses is over. Kinston’s leadership must begin applying for grants now — not later, not “when convenient.” Every day wasted keeps the burden on taxpayers and leaves neighborhoods without the resources they desperately need. By aggressively pursuing federal and state funding, the city can reroute local dollars to where they are truly needed: fixing blight, enforcing ordinances, improving housing, and restoring quality of life.

The message is clear: do your jobs, secure outside funding, and stop forcing residents to carry the weight of inaction.

Written and inspired by: Quarla Blackwell