Administration of Citizen Corps

Citizen Corps is coordinated nationally by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA works closely with other federal entities (e.g., the Corporation for National and Community Service), state and local governments, first responders and emergency managers, volunteer organizations, and the White House Office of USA Freedom Corps to promote volunteer service activities that support community safety and homeland security. Citizen Corps programs build on successful efforts that are in place in many communities throughout the nation to prevent crime and respond to emergencies. Programs that started through local innovation are the foundation for Citizen Corps.

In fiscal year (FY) 2002, the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), administered approximately $2.7 million in funds for Citizen Corps. Fiscal Year 2003 funds increased to almost $3 million. Funding for FY 2004 remains at almost $3 million. BJA administers two of the Citizen Corps programs: Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) and Neighborhood Watch.