COPS Update DOJ Listening Session

May 20, 2013

NAPO has been informed that the COPS Office application system has experienced technical issues, which have now been corrected. 

The system is operational and back online. All COPS Hiring Program (CHP) and Community Policing Development (CPD) applicants are able to start or continue their applications at this time.  Because the system was down for an extended period of time, the program deadlines for both CHP and CPD have been extended to 7:59 PM EDT on June 4, 2013.

Although no application data was lost due to the technical issues, out of an abundance of caution the COPS Office has requested any agency that has started or submitted an application to review their application information to make sure it is complete and accurate.

If you need technical assistance, the COPS Response Center is available to help, and can be reached at 800-421-6770. 

NAPO Participation in Department of Justice Meeting on Federal Firearms Prohibitors

On May 17, 2013, NAPO participated in a U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) meeting on federal firearms prohibitors.  The Department of Justice has created a working group to review the firearms prohibitors enumerated in Sections 922(g) and 922(n) of Title 18, United States Code.  These prohibitors make it unlawful for ten categories of persons (“prohibited persons”) to ship, transport, receive, or possess firearms or ammunition.  The DOJ working group is conducting extensive research and analysis of information and data relating to the prohibitors, and ascertaining the perspectives of stakeholders within and outside of government. 

During the session, NAPO expressed its support of better and more accurate background checks to keep weapons out of the wrong hands, as well as efforts to improve access to mental healthcare.  NAPO staff also stated that NAPO recently pledged its support for the King-Thompson Public Safety and Second Amendment Rights Protection Act (H.R. 1565), which includes the following:

-Proposals to enhance the current background check system to ensure that criminals and the mentally ill are not able to purchase firearms

-Proposals to ensure that anyone buying a gun at a gun show or online undergoes a background check by a licensed dealer

-Efforts to ensure that individuals who should be prohibited from buying a gun are listed in the National Instant

Criminal Background Check System

NAPO will continue to provide updates on this issue as it develops.