NC H953

Department of Justice shall assist law enforcement agencies in identifying and applying for grant funds, with $1,000,000 appropriated for grant writers in fiscal year 2024-2025.

$1,000,000 appropriated to award grants to law enforcement agencies for community policing initiatives.

$1,500,000 appropriated for grants to law enforcement officers exhibiting exemplary service and to agencies meeting racial or gender diversity benchmarks, with a $10,000 maximum per grant.

Strangulation techniques and neck restraints restricting oxygen or blood flow are designated as deadly force; officers must use minimum force necessary and attempt de-escalation tactics; Attorney General must develop uniform use of force policies by December 1, 2024.

Minimum age requirement set at 21 years for entry-level law enforcement officers; Commission may deny certification based on felony conviction or four or more misdemeanors regardless of expungement status.

$2,000,000 appropriated for grants to law enforcement agencies to fund detective and investigative positions for Class D felony and higher investigations.