For Immediate Release

July 28, 2009

Contact: Paul Mounds: 860-278-8888

Larson: City of Hartford To Receive Over $4 Million in COPS Recovery Act Funding

Washington, D.C.- U.S. Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01) joined Vice President Joseph Biden and Attorney General Eric Holder today to announce that the City of Hartford will receive $4,265,672 in Recovery Act funding to fund the hiring and rehiring of 23 law enforcement officers. The funding, administered by the U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, will provide relief to the city's local budget while enhancing public safety by increasing the number of law enforcement officers in the community.

"The Recovery Act has renewed our nation's commitment to public safety. The current economic crisis facing the nation has financially crippled our states and cities causing cuts in law enforcement that sacrifice their overall security and well-being," said Congressman Larson. "This funding will support 23 officers in Hartford over a three year period at no cost to the residents or the city. We cannot afford significant cuts in the number of police on the street in the capital city, and this COPS grant will ensure our communities remain safe."

The announcement today in total will provide $1 billion in grants to fund the hiring and rehiring of 4,699 law enforcement officers across the country. The grant provides 100 percent of the approved salary and benefits for entry level officer positions over a three year period.  The City of Hartford was one of three police departments in Connecticut to receive COPS Recovery Act funding.

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