Funds will go to hire law enforcement officers in Metter, Statesboro, Tennille, and Vidalia

Washington, D.C. - Congressman John Barrow (GA-12) announced today that $950,243 in grants will be awarded to four communities in Georgia's 12th District to fund the hiring and rehiring of local law enforcement officers under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Congressman Barrow voted for the recovery Act, and President Obama signed it into law, in February of this year.

"Increasing the number of officers in our police departments is essential for public safety, and that's good for our communities," said Barrow.  "Even though times are tough, there are certain services we need to support, and local law enforcement is one of them. This money will help our law enforcement agencies add and retain the manpower they need to fight crime more effectively through community policing."

The grants will provide 100 percent of the approved salary and benefits for entry level police officers over a three year period. Police departments receiving the grants will only be required to retain the grant funded positions for a fourth year.

The following communities in the 12th District will receive grants to hire additional officers:

City of Metter - $123,203 (1 officer for 3 years)

Statesboro Police Department - $437,775 (3 officers for 3 years)

City of Tennille - $131,251 (1 officer for 3 years)

Vidalia Police Department - $258,014 (2 officers for 3 years)

For more information about the grants, please visit www.cops.usdoj.gov http://www.cops.usdoj.gov/.   

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Contact:  Jane Brodsky, (202) 225-2823

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