Runyan Announces Westampton COPS Grant

Press Release

Congressman Jon Runyan (NJ-3) announced the award of a Community Oriented Policing Services Hiring Program (COPS) grant to the Westampton Police Department. Per the Department of Justice, "Grantees for the 2013 hiring program were selected based on their fiscal needs, local crime rates, and their community policing plans." Having met the qualifications, the $125,000 grant will allow Westampton to add another much needed public safety officer to their ranks.

"The COPS Hiring Program is a valuable asset to law enforcement organizations throughout the country and in the State of New Jersey," said Runyan. "Westampton is one of only 5 departments in the entire state of New Jersey to receive this need-based funding and I am proud that this funding is being put to good use right here in Burlington County."

"The Westampton Police Department feels honored to be rewarded with this grant," said Chief Ricky Smith of the Westampton Police Department. "Public Safety is a top priority and this grant will enable us to add an additional officer to our police force which will help keep the community safe."

Since 1995, the COPS program has awarded over $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of approximately 125,000 officers and provide a variety of knowledge resource products including publications, training, and technical assistance.

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