Washington—The U.S. Department of Justice today announced that California has been awarded more than $23 million to hire or retain 117 police officers statewide.

Awards to 34 California cities and counties represent more than 20 percent of the $111 million awarded today through the Justice Department’s COPS Hiring Program. These grants go directly to law enforcement agencies to hire or retain law enforcement officers to support crime prevention and community policing efforts.

“I am pleased that more than 30 California law enforcement agencies have received grants to create or preserve much-needed policing jobs,” said Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.). “At a time when cities and counties across the country are laying off first responders, the federal government must help where we can. These vital funds will increase community policing capacity and improve crime prevention across the state by helping struggling departments maintain adequate staffing levels in the face of budget cuts.”

Unlike previous grants, the 2012 COPS Hiring Program requires all new officers must be military veterans who served at least six months of active military service, at least part of which occurred after September 11, 2001.

Grants awarded to California cities and counties follow:

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