Hinchey Announces Binghamton to Receive Federal COPS Program Grant to Hire 4 Additional Police Officers

Press Release

Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) today announced that the City of Binghamton has been awarded a $1.1 million grant through the COPS hiring program (CHP), which will enable the city to hire four additional police officers.

"I've been a strong supporter of the COPS program since its inception because safe streets are essential to building strong communities," said Hinchey. "These federal resources are going to help the City of Binghamton hire four additional police officers. These funds will also help alleviate the burden on local taxpayers and ensure that Binghamton remains a good place to raise a family."

"This grant will allow us to strengthen public safety at no cost to the local taxpayer," said Binghamton Mayor Matt Ryan. "It's important news for all our residents, especially in today's harsh economic times, and I want to thank Congressman Hinchey for advocating on behalf of our community's pressing needs."

CHP provides funding to address the full-time sworn officer needs of state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies nationwide. CHP grants go directly to law enforcement agencies to hire new and/or rehire career law enforcement officers in an effort to increase their community policing capacity and crime prevention efforts.

CHP also provides 100 percent funding for approved entry-level salaries and benefits for three years (36 months) for newly-hired, full-time sworn officer positions (including filling existing unfunded vacancies). Rehired officers who have been laid off, or are scheduled to be laid off on a future date, as a result of local budget cut can also be supported through the program. Any additional costs above the approved entry-level salaries and fringe benefits are the responsibility of the grantee agency.

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