Central Falls Police Department Receives $1.2 Million Federal Grant to Hire Additional Officers

Strategic Insights -

The U.S. Senate's Jack Reed, Sheldon Whitehouse, and U.S. Representative David Cicilline joined Central Falls Mayor Maria Rivera in announcing a $1.2 million federal grant to add six more police officers to patrols in Central Falls, Rhode Island. The funding, administered by the U.S. Department of Justice's Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Office, is part of the COPS Hiring Program (CHP). This program provides salaries and benefits for officer hires for three years, aiming to strengthen community policing and reduce crime. The grant is one of nearly 180 awards totaling over $139 million nationwide. Central Falls Police Department currently has 35 sworn officers, and the program provides a significant boost to the city's public safety efforts.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Central Falls Police Department received a $1.2 million federal grant to add six more police officers to patrols, administered by the U.S. Department of Justice's Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Office.
  • The funding is part of the COPS Hiring Program (CHP), which provides salaries and benefits for officer hires for three years.
  • The program aims to strengthen community policing, reduce crime, and help cities fill budget gaps.
  • The Central Falls Police Department currently has 35 sworn officers, and the grant is expected to boost the city's public safety efforts.
  • Senator Jack Reed helped secure $201 million for the COPS program and State and Local Law Enforcement Assistance in the appropriations law.
  • Senator Sheldon Whitehouse is a senior member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and congratulated Mayor Maria Rivera on securing the funding.
  • Congressman David Cicilline praised the Central Falls Police Department's focus on promoting diversity within its ranks and building trust within the community.
  • Mayor Maria Rivera thanked Senators Reed and Whitehouse, and Congressman Cicilline, for their support in securing the critical funding.

Statistics:

  • $1.2 million: The amount of federal funding awarded to the Central Falls Police Department to hire additional officers.
  • 180: The number of law enforcement agencies across the nation receiving awards as part of the COPS Hiring Program.
  • $139 million: The total amount awarded nationwide to law enforcement agencies through the COPS Hiring Program.
  • 35: The number of sworn officers currently serving in the Central Falls Police Department.
  • $201 million: The amount secured by Senator Jack Reed for the COPS program and State and Local Law Enforcement Assistance in the appropriations law.
  • 15%: The percentage increase in federal spending for grants from the U.S. Department of Justice to local and state law enforcement agencies compared to the prior fiscal year's bill.

Sources:

  • United States Senator for Rhode Island Sheldon Whitehouse
  • U.S. Representative David Cicilline
  • Central Falls Mayor Maria Rivera
  • United States Department of Justice's Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Office
  • The U.S. Senate's Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse