Today Congressman Pete Visclosky announced the East Chicago and Gary Police Departments have been awarded grants through the U.S. Department of Justice Office – Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Hiring program.
Award Recipient Name/Total Officers Awarded/Estimated Award Amount
The City of East Chicago/5/$625,000
The City of Gary/10/$1,230,383
“These awards represent an investment in Northwest Indiana’s law enforcement and will allow for the hiring of at least 15 officers,” Congressman Visclosky said. “I commend the East Chicago and Gary Police Departments for their commitment to promote innovative ways to increase public safety.”
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, grantees for the 2013 hiring program were selected based on their fiscal needs, local crime rates, and their community policing plans. There was an additional focus this year on agencies requesting assistance in developing school safety programs that would include the hiring of a school resource officer. School resource officer positions funded by the COPS Office are sworn law enforcement positions that work within a school district or facility, interacting directly with school administrators and students.
“This award is verification that the City of East Chicago is making progress with our proactive and innovative concepts,” said East Chicago Police Chief Mark Becker. “We recognize that working together with the residents of our city is extremely important to our success. We are proud of what we’ve been able to achieve and look forward to leading additional community oriented programs.”
The COPS Office is a federal agency responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. Since 1995, COPS has awarded over $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of approximately 125,000 officers and provide a variety of knowledge resource products including publications, training, and technical assistance.
“With all of the measures we have been implementing to combat and prevent crime in our city, receiving this grant is a welcomed addition,” said Gary Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson. “Community policing is extremely important when it comes to building strong neighborhoods and healthy relationships with those who serve and protect us every day.”
To learn more information about the 2013 COPS Hiring Program, visit the COPS website at www.cops.usdoj.gov.