Richmond County Sheriff Eugene Brantley announced Tuesday that his office has secured an $8.7 million federal grant to preserve law enforcement staffing and enhance community policing.
The funding, awarded through the U.S. Department of Justice’s COPS Hiring Program, will cover the salaries and benefits of 40 sworn law enforcement officers for the next three years.
“This grant is a crucial step in supporting public safety while easing the financial burden on taxpayers,” Sheriff Brantley said. “At a time when many local governments face budget challenges, this funding allows us to maintain a strong police presence without passing on additional costs to our citizens.”
The $8.7 million grant averages nearly $2.9 million per year and will help offset the rising costs of salaries and employee benefits, which have forced the Sheriff’s Office to reduce staffing in recent years. The deputies funded by this grant will focus on proactive patrol, community engagement, and addressing quality-of-life issues, in line with community policing principles.
Over the past few years, the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office has faced significant staffing reductions due to rising operational costs. In previous years, former sheriffs had to eliminate several positions, and Sheriff Brantley placed 92 positions on hold or removed them from the budget to manage escalating costs. As a result, the department has fallen below national staffing standards for both deputies and detention officers.
While the COPS grant is not a permanent solution, it provides vital support to stabilize staffing levels and ensure continued service to the community.
“This funding is a temporary but essential measure to help us maintain staffing while we explore long-term solutions for sustainable growth,” Sheriff Brantley explained. “We remain committed to keeping our community safe while managing taxpayer dollars responsibly.”
