NC H952

Department of Justice shall provide assistance to law enforcement agencies in identifying and applying for grant funds, with $200,000 appropriated to hire two full-time grant writers effective July 1, 2024.

$300,000 in recurring funds appropriated to award grants to law enforcement agencies for community policing programs and mental health officer initiatives.

$750,000 appropriated for grants to individual law enforcement officers and agencies, with maximum grants of $15,000 for exemplary service or meeting racial or gender diversity benchmarks.

Strangleholds and neck restraints are classified as deadly force; law enforcement officers must use minimum necessary force and attempt de-escalation tactics when possible, effective October 1, 2024.

Minimum age requirement of 21 years for law enforcement officers and mental health screening protocols required at entry level and annually; $1,000,000 appropriated for mental health screenings and $2,000,000 for detective positions to investigate Class D felonies and higher, effective January 1, 2025.