Washington, DC – Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (Conn. -3) announced over $13 million for three police departments in Connecticut to hire and rehire over 60 law enforcement officers through funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for the COPS (Community Oriented Policing Services) Program. Earlier this year DeLauro, a vocal supporter of the COPS program, met with Police Chiefs from across the 3rd Congressional District to discuss the challenges they continue to face, as well as those stemming from the economy and budget cuts.

The grants will provide 100 percent of the approved salary and benefits for entry level officer positions over a three year period. Police departments receiving the grants will then be required to retain the grant funded positions for a fourth year. The Recovery Act grants will be administrated by the US Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) through the federal agency’s COPS Hiring Recovery Program.

“The recession has increased the pressure on our police departments – forcing them to do more with less, while at the same time leading to an increase in certain types of crimes. With this funding we will help alleviate some of that pressure, preventing the harmful cuts to the vital services we rely on to ensure the safety of our communities. By directing Recovery funds to the successful and popular COPS program, we are ensuring that police officers remain present and help reduce crime in our communities,” said DeLauro.

Specifically, the $13 million will be directed to:

• $4.66 million for New Haven for 22 officers for three years;

• $4.26 million for Hartford for 23 officers for three years; and

• $4.83 million for Bridgeport 20 officers for three years.