WASHINGTON — The Department of Justice is providing over $1.8 million in federal funding to the City of Hartford to hire more police officers. It's part of the DOJ's plan to award $139 million for law enforcement agencies to hire more officers across the nation.
Hartford will be receiving $1,875,000 to hire 15 full-time officers.
"We have one recruit class in the academy right now, another class starting next month, and we're going to continue reaching out every day to attract diverse, dedicated recruit classes for the Hartford Police Department," said Mayor Luke Bronin. "I want to thank the DOJ, the Biden Administration and our federal delegation for partnering with us to secure another COPS hiring grant, which helps us to sustain our aggressive pace of hiring in the years ahead-- and of course it's great news for Hartford taxpayers, too."
The capital city is among the 183 law enforcement agencies nationwide allowed to hire 1,066 full-time officers, thanks to the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Hiring Program.
“This major federal grant will enhance community-policing efforts and help reduce crime,” said Senator Murphy, Senator Blumenthal and Rep. Larson. “This federal investment ensures the state’s capital city is safer for kids and families, strengthening the trust among officers and the communities they protect and serve. This is a huge win for the City of Hartford and its residents.”
Half of the law enforcement agencies plan to use the funding to focus on building legitimacy and trust between their departments and the communities they serve.
"We're very pleased to receive this new COPS grant funding to assist with our ongoing recruitment efforts," said Chief Thody. "We have been working hard to attract and hire diverse recruits, as well as to retain our officers. Our profession has seen a decline in the number of applicants in recent years, but I still find there are great candidates out there that will be the future of the Hartford Police Department, and I appreciate this federal partnership."
“This substantial COPS Hiring Program award to the city of Hartford will allow the Hartford Police Department to replenish its ranks to fight crime,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Leonard C. Boyle. “Federal law enforcement will continue to work with HPD to make our capital city safer for all who live, work and visit there.”
For next year, President Biden has requested $537 million for CHP.
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