(Fayetteville, N.C. July 31, 2009) – The Fayetteville Police Department will be able to hire 17 more officers after being awarded the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Hiring Recovery Program Grant. An estimated amount of $2,528,240 in federal funds is being spread over the three-year grant period. The department may now begin hiring staff for the positions. The award is the third largest Hiring Recovery Program Grant total in the state.

“These additional positions will really help us in our community policing efforts,” Chief Tom Bergamine said, “and to meet goals in our Community Wellness Plan.” 

Bergamine added that the positions will be used in addressing property crime and providing better service delivery.

The community policing aspect of the positions was a criterion to receive funding. All sworn officers hired under the grant must be retained for a minimum of one year following the three-year grant period.

The COPS Hiring Recovery Program Grant is funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

“This latest stimulus award will go towards making our city a safer place for citizens,” City Manager Dale Iman said. “Staff has really stepped up to the plate and aggressively pursued funding and the hard work is paying off. Congratulations to Chief Bergamine and his staff for being awarded this grant and for their success in improving community policing.”

Over $3 million in Recovery and Reinvestment Act dollars have been awarded to the Police Department, which also includes $708,000 that will pay for additional personnel and equipment. First-year salaries for two forensic technicians and two crime prevention specialists are covered in the Justice Assistance Grant Program award.

To date, the City has been awarded over $7.5 million.

For more information on the COPS grant, contact Trish Council at 433-1423.

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