Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) today applauded an announcement by Vice President Joe Biden that California will receive more than $211 million to hire or retain 649 law enforcement officers in 109 jurisdictions over the next three years.

The cities of Los Angeles, San Francisco and Riverside are expected to receive enough funding for 50 officers each. The cities of Fresno and Oakland are in line to receive funding for 41 officers.

The grants will be made through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 under the Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) hiring program.

“Out of $1 billion in stimulus funds awarded to hire 4,700 police officers nationwide, California is receiving $211 million to hire or retain 649 officers," said Senator Feinstein. "This means federal stimulus dollars are coming back to our cities and our counties to keep police officers working. These funds will bolster public safety and make our streets safer.”

The grants will provide 100 percent funding for approved entry-level salaries and benefits for three years for newly-hired, full-time sworn law enforcement officer positions. These positions include current unfunded vacancies, and the redeployment of officers who have been laid off or are scheduled to be laid off as a result of budget cuts.

Nationwide, $1 billion in COPS Hiring Recovery Program grants will be made to 1,046 law enforcement agencies in all 50 states to create and preserve jobs.

For more information about the COPS program and grants, please go to: www.cops.usdoj.gov

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