Hoyer Announces Release of Police Hiring Funds for Prince George's County

Washington, DC-Today, U.S. Representative Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD) announced the release of $11,782,760 in Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Hiring Recovery Program (CHRP) grants for the hiring and retention of 55 police officers in Prince George's County. This funding is made available by the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. 

In total, eight jurisdictions in Maryland will receive over $23 million for 112 officer positions. The Prince George's County Police Department will receive $10,630,950 to hire 50 officers; the Laurel Police Department, $726,411 to hire three officers; the Bladensburg Police Department, $221,672 to hire an additional officer; and the Riverdale Police Department, $203,727 to hire an additional officer.

"Our nation's police officers are the first line of defense in protecting citizens and preventing crime," stated Congressman Steny Hoyer.  "During this period of economic downturn, CHRP grants will be vital to retaining high-quality police forces that can capably protect Maryland communities."

Based upon factors related to a community's fiscal health, crime rates and community policing plans, $1 billion in CHRP Grants will be allocated to more than 1,000 law enforcement agencies from all 50 states and U.S. territories.  The program will provide 100 percent of approved salary and benefits for entry-level officer positions over a three year period.  Police departments would then be required to retain the grant funded positions for a fourth year. 

"Investing in COPS will help save and create local jobs while enabling law enforcement to address critical public safety needs in our communities," stated Congressman Steny Hoyer. "This is just another way that the Economic Recovery Act is working for Maryland."

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