CRIMINAL JUSTICE
PROGRAM

Grant Workshops

CRIMINAL JUSTICE ADVISORY COMMITTEE

ETCOG creates the schedule for the Criminal Justice Program on an annual basis. It is crafted around grant submission deadlines established by the Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division.


The Criminal Justice Advisory Committee is composed of members representing a variety of groups or disciplines across East Texas such as: Citizens and Parents, Education, Substance Abuse Programs, Juvenile Justice, Law Enforcement, Mental Health, Non-Profits, Courts and Victim Services.


The CJAC provides guidance to ETCOG staff on projects relating to Criminal Justice throughout the 14-county region.


CJAC Policies & Procedures


CJAC Bylaws

REGIONAL POLICE TRAINING

ETCOG contracts with the East Texas Police Academy and Tyler Junior College to provide law enforcement training in the East Texas region. Classroom topics are varied and consist of continuing education, tactical, and state mandated courses.


Training certifications are provided to all students who successfully complete academy courses. All training is reported to the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement.


All funding for scholarships are provided by a grant through the Office of the Texas Governor, Public Safety Office.

Criminal Justice Grant Funding & Workshops

State agencies, local governments, nonprofit organizations, universities or colleges, and federally recognized Native American tribes can apply for grant funds from the Office of the Governor (OOG), Public Safety Office (PSO). These grants open every year, in mid-December.


The ETCOG Public Safety team offers assistance and hosts workshops for East Texas entities planning to apply for funding. Office of the Governor Grants will open on

Monday, December 15, 2025, and close Friday, February 13, 2026, via the eGrants website - https://egrants.gov.texas.gov.


Via ETCOG, Applications will be accepted for the following funding source:

  • General Victim Assistance Direct Services Program (VOCA)
  • Violence Against Women Justice and Training Program (VAWA)
  • Juvenile Justice & Truancy Prevention Grant Program (JJ/TP)
  • Criminal Justice Program (JAG)



FY27 Criminal Justice

Grant Application Workshops

All applicant agencies must attend one grant application workshop to be eligible for funding.


Workshops will be held virtually, and no registration is required.


Please plan to join the workshop using a computer. While a call-in option is available, the session includes a visual presentation that walks you through starting a grant application, which may be difficult to view on a mobile phone.


CJ Grant Application Workshops will be held every Tuesday morning from

10:00 AM to 11:15 AM, starting December 30, 2025, through January 20, 2026.


Please note that no workshop will be held on January 28th due to a previously scheduled meeting.



Please join us on the morning you are able to attend. If no participants have joined by 10:15 AM, the bridge will be closed.

  • How do I join the workshop?

    You can join the workshop using the following link: https://v.ringcentral.com/join/494986232. You can also call in at +1 (650) 419-1505 with the Meeting ID: 494986232.

  • What if I have questions?

    For any inquiries, please contact Stephanie Heffner at stephanie.heffner@etcog.org or call 903-218-6461.

  • Is registration required?

    No registration is necessary. Just join the workshop on the day that works for you.

  • What happens if no one attends?

    If there are no participants by 10:15 AM, the bridge will be closed for that session.

  • When are the workshops held?

    Workshops are held every Tuesday from 10:00 AM to 11:15 AM, except for January 28th.

Grant Application Workshop Resources