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Orlando, FL, Sep 4 -

Central Florida law enforcement agencies awarded three new hiring grants from the U.S. Department of Justice; First new universal COPS hiring money awarded since 2004.

U.S. Representative Ric Keller today announced $2.25 million has been awarded to Central Florida law enforcement agencies to hire 30 new police officers and sheriff’s deputies.  The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), the first new universal hiring money awarded nationwide since 2004.

Mr. Keller has been the lead Republican in support of the COPS program in Congress, passing legislation earlier this Congress to fund the hiring of new officers.

“The COPS program has already put 774 police officers in my congressional district and this great news brings us up to 804 COPS on Central Florida streets,” stated Keller. “At a time when the murder rate in Orlando has been skyrocketing and juvenile crime has been out of control, we need the COPS program now more than ever and I’m thrilled U.S. Department of Justice has awarded these new hiring dollars to Central Florida.”

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the Orlando Police Department, and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office will each be awarded ten new officers.

Media needing more information should contact Keller Chief of Staff Bryan Malenius at (407) 872-1962 Office or (407) 312-2261 Cell.