According to public documents reviewed by CBS News, the Justice Department is providing millions of dollars in assistance to priorities for a popular grant program.

In the context of community policing’s microcomputer development program, the Trump administration eliminated language, encouraged police agencies to seek federal funding to help “underserved populations,” build trust in police, promote diversity in police departments, and support community violent intervention.

Instead, the government has listed “immigration and border security,” “preventing violent crime,” and “making the image of the law enforcement community” as a priority for sought-after grants, which are managed by the Department of Justice’s community-oriented Police Services (COPS) department.

The instructions provided funding to local police departments in 2025, marking a significant shift in guidance issued by the Justice Department during the Biden administration a year ago.

The 2024 guide prioritizes “Building Trust and Legality with the Community” and “Community Violent Intervention” programs, which include efforts to combat racism, trauma, poverty and other triggers.

The Trump administration has shifted its 2025 grant direction, inviting police officers to make a compelling argument that the money will help strengthen border security, reduce violent crime, improve the public image of the police department, support “opia and drug market disruptions” and other priorities.

The 2024 and 2025 descriptions have a "public theme area" and the app does not fit any listed categories.

Changes in language add to the prospect of a sharp shift in which police agencies are granted money and which programs receive federal help.

According to CBS News' comments, the Justice Department's COPS Community Police Development Grant Program has awarded $67 million to dozens of police agencies since 2023, including some cities as big as New York, Boston and Los Angeles, as well as smaller cities like Bluefield, W.Va. and NEB Bluefield, W.Va.

This shift could hurt funding for certain projects that are highly touted in the United States and in large cities.

"This is some big change," said Chiraag Baines, a former Justice Department attorney and Biden administration aide. "There is a broader impact on this, rather than granting money. It is a statement on priorities that can encourage police to reduce the priorities of certain programs and initiatives if they think the government will be hostile to them."

Baines said the focus of the newly listed projects to combat violent crime and opioid abuse is important. But he added new language to encourage police to apply for money for projects that “improve the image of law enforcement”, which really confuses the problem. Police should work hard to build trust and cooperation. ”

The community is proud to announce the grant award for “Community Violent Interventions” during the Biden administration.

Cleveland Heights, Ohio, touted a program that received a 2023 grant as a successful initiative to reach high-risk youth. The city announced grant says the $175,000 award will be used for “peace patrols in areas of violence impact and to develop new outreach and guidance programs for Cleveland Heights.”

Since 2021, St. Petersburg, Florida, police in Florida are dozens of departments and cities to obtain “Build Trust and Legality with the Community” programs, including approximately $174,000 in 2022.

The agency told CBS News it used the grant to "support 20 nonprofit youth sports leagues." The police department also "works with the Tampa Bay Rays Baseball team to provide softball programs for girls at risk, increasing access and participation."

St. Petersburg received another $175,000 in police grants to help police help “underserved population” in 2023. The department told CBS News it uses the money to "arts and education guidance" for young people.

These changes marked a paradigm shift and drew criticism from Congress Democrats. Glenn Ivey, a state attorney who was once Maryland, told CBS News: "It's really a clear change in the focus changes that started with the previous administration. Local communities rely on these funds to enhance their community policing efforts. A safer community starts. Start with trust and security, starts with trust and security, not fear and not fear. Cops should be in quarantine with them, not with them, not with them, and not with them.

A former Justice Department official told CBS News in a previous administration that transfers of grant standards are common when departments change leadership. But the official said the transition from a community violence intervention program to “the secret to depriving potential clients and witnesses who can resolve cases and prevent crimes. Community police cut crime because people trust police enough to work with them.”

Justice Department officials declined to answer specific questions about language changes in grant applications.

"Under the guidance of Attorney General Bondi, the police department is committed to highlighting the important work done by our law enforcement partners and supporting law enforcement by hiring and granting assistance," a spokeswoman told CBS News in a written statement.

A review of previous police grant announcements showed a change in language after President Joe Biden took office. Language in COPS is the 2022 COPS for the police department hiring grant instructions form, which draws references from the first Trump administration, which specify funds for initiatives focused on homeland security and school-based policing, and adds language that prioritizes the “diversity training” program.

Even in a polarized political climate, federal police grants remain overwhelmingly popular and highly pursued by local police agencies. Members of MPs on both sides often tout the grant award and are publicly announced by local officials as a victory for the community.

A bipartisan federal lawmaker group has introduced a bill to enhance funding for overall police grants. Rep. Pat Ryan, a Democratic New York City district, includes smaller communities in the Hudson Valley, co-sponsored the bill and said: “It’s very often that small and medium-sized police departments like us lack the resources they need.”

Rep. Zach Nunn, Republican of Iowa, co-sponsored the measure, writing: “Every town in Iowa deserves strong public safety regardless of size or location, and I am honored to help lead the bipartisan effort to promote the employment and resources of law enforcement in our small and rural communities.” Nunn’s announcement said the proposal would “reauthorize the Community-oriented Police Services (COPS) program at twice the federal funding.”

A spokesman for the Alexandria City Police Department in Virginia received a $175,000 grant last year to help serve “underserved populations,” and the Justice Department’s Office played a vital role in supporting law enforcement agencies across the country. Their funding and technical assistance helped the department’s long-standing community and community-building relationships.

Some city officials and police departments declined to comment on the Federal Police award, including Dearborn, Michigan, which received a $88,816 "Building Trust" grant in 2023.