Local Warrant Apprehension & Absconding Grant Program (WAAG)

The Local Warrant Apprehension and Absconding Grant Program (WAAG), administered by the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy (GOCPP), provides targeted funding to assist Maryland’s local law enforcement agencies in reducing the number of outstanding warrants, particularly those linked to violent crimes, and apprehending individuals who have absconded from court-ordered inpatient treatment facilities. This effort aligns with the broader public safety mission of the GOCPP, which includes advising the Governor on criminal justice strategies, promoting interagency coordination, and enhancing community safety. Originally established following the 2022 passage of Maryland Senate Bill 585, WAAG was created to address growing concerns related to unexecuted warrants and a lack of effective tracking mechanisms for absconders. The law also amended the Correctional Services Article to expand the legal definition of absconding to include individuals who leave residential drug or alcohol treatment programs without permission from administrators. This expanded scope is central to the program’s objective to reduce recidivism and violence stemming from unexecuted warrants and treatment violations. For State Fiscal Year 2026, WAAG anticipates awarding a total of $1,000,000 across up to 30 local law enforcement agencies. Award tiers are determined by agency size: small agencies (≤50 sworn officers) may receive up to $30,000; medium agencies (51–300 officers) up to $50,000; and large agencies (>300 officers) up to $75,000. The funds may be used for personnel costs such as officer and analyst overtime, extradition-related travel, program administration, and critical equipment for apprehension operations (e.g., handcuffs, shackles, and protective masks). Grant funds are strictly limited to reimbursable expenses based on actual quarterly expenditures. The grant is open exclusively to local law enforcement agencies in Maryland. Agencies must submit their application through the Grants Management System (GMS) at https://grants.goccp.maryland.gov by 11:59 PM on April 25, 2025. The deadline to request a new user ID for GMS access is April 16, 2025. Applicants must adhere to detailed submission instructions and complete a narrative addressing the organization’s background, problem statement with warrant-related data, project design, goals and objectives, data collection plan, sustainability strategy, and budget plan. In addition to the narrative, required uploads include certified assurances, lobbying certification, an organizational chart, a current W-9, and proof of SAM.gov registration. Applications are evaluated based on organizational information, needs justification, program design, goals, budget alignment, and key personnel qualifications. Scoring is weighted, with budget and sustainability elements comprising 25% of the overall score. Performance data such as the number of served warrants and apprehended individuals must be reported quarterly. Awards are expected to be announced in June 2025, with the performance period running from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. While the program is non-recurring by statute, the NOFA notes that WAAG funding is subject to final budgetary approval during the 2025 Maryland General Assembly session. Agencies are encouraged to contact the GOCPP with questions—primary contacts include Matika Palmer (Grant Monitor), Tabitha Wilson (Funding Manager), and Martin Hammond (Director of Criminal Justice Programs). The program also offers technical assistance via help videos, training documents, and a sample budget tool accessible on the GOCPP website.

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