Police Get Federal Grant to Hire 12 Officers
The Police Department will receive an $800,000 federal law enforcement grant to hire 12 officers with the condition the city will provide matching funds.
The grant will pay for 75% of the officers’ salary and benefits if the city covers the remaining costs. The grant expires in three years, requiring the city to absorb the cost after that period. The long-term commitment may be difficult for Glendale, which historically has a lean budget.
“I would suspect the council has strong interest in trying to take advantage of the grant,” said Glendale City Manager James Starbird. ‘We have a long-term concern to stabilize the general fund while adding programs and services. I’m sure the grant would give us a good jump start to get to those goals.”
Since the passage of a 1994 federal crime bill, Glendale has hired 14 officers devoted to community policing. The department plans to expand the group with the new funds.
Glendale was among five California cities to receive a grant, announced this week by U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.).
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