Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter (CO-07) announced the Commerce City Police Department in the 7th Congressional District will be able to hire or retain four new police officers as part of a nationwide $1 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grant. Commerce City will receive $872,612.00, and the state of Colorado will receive more than $5 million total as part of these grants.
These funds will provide 100 percent of the approved salary and benefits for these officers for three years. All police departments receiving the grants will then be required to retain the grant-funded positions for a fourth year.
“This grant will provide much needed financial support to our communities and will help our local law enforcement agencies add and retain the manpower needed to fight crime more effectively,” said Perlmutter.
According to the Police Executive Research Forum, the recession hit local law enforcement agencies especially hard forcing many to implement a hiring freeze and delay classes for new recruits. Furthermore, 44% of police departments surveyed reported increases in crime believed to be related to the recent economic downturn.
“In these tough economic times, we need to stay vigilant when it comes to reducing crime and creating and saving jobs for hardworking Americans. This funding provides jobs to people we know in our community who will help keep our neighborhoods safe. This is a critical part of our economic recovery,” said Perlmutter.
The grants will be administered through the Department of Justice Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Hiring Recovery Program.
SACVFD 51st Annual Spaghetti Dinner... Commerce City, CO
Photo by Dustin McIntyre
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