including hidden costs. A properly prepared budget can constitute the deciding factor in the grant selection process.

The budget section can persuade grant administrators that the department remains financially responsible and dedicated to implementing their identified goals and objectives; therefore, a poorly prepared budget section might eliminate the department from further grant consideration. The statement of the problem, along with the fiscal documentation, shows whether the department appropriately spends the money.

Select Professional Consultants
The department’s decisions regarding who will serve as grant consultant and grant evaluator remain paramount to a positive outcome. Involving a grant consultant and a grant evaluator during the initial proposal stage can ensure that the application contains clearly stated goals and objectives and that supporting financial documentation proves adequate.

Oftentimes, most problems with grants arise because of the improper choice of consultants and evaluators. To help avoid problems in the pre- and postassessment phases and ensure successful grant outcomes, agencies must depend on
professional qualifications and cooperation of the consultants and evaluators.

Agencies need special grantsmanship skills when they apply for and implement federal and state grants. Rural suburban police agencies may consider contacting local colleges and universities for assistance. The criminal justice faculty can recommend candidates who could serve as a grant consultant or evaluator. Academics often become involved in crime prevention research. Their flexible schedules give them the opportunity to serve as professional consultants. Although they serve as a partner of the
grant process, they must remain neutral. Their objectivity allows them to motivate the department toward successful implementation of the grant.

Most important, the consultant must relate to law enforcement officials. This individual should have law enforcement experience
and applied research skills. Police managers should try to match the consultant’s expertise with the nature of the grant proposal.

The evaluator acts as a statistical consultant for the grant’s research methods. A grant evaluator works with the primary consultant in the development of reliable survey designs. Surveys address community concerns about crime and

Lieutenant Colonel (retired) Baker is an associate professor in the Sociology/Criminal Justice Department at the University of Scranton in Scranton, Pennsylvania.	Dr. Wolfer serves as an assistant professor in the Sociology/Criminal Justice Department at the University of Scranton in Scranton, Pennsylvania.	Chief Zezza heads the West Pittston, Pennsylvania, Police Department.