Rep. Swalwell Announces Grant for Hayward Police Department to Hire Two School Safety Officers

Statement

Congressman Eric Swalwell (CA-15) today announced that the Hayward Police Department will receive a three-year federal Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) grant to hire two School Resource Officers (SROs). The SROs will help Hayward improve school safety and address youth gang violence. In July, Rep. Swalwell sent a letter to the director of the COPS program in support of Hayward's application for a grant. The COPS grants are administered by the U.S. Department of Justice.

"With this federal COPS grant, Hayward students and the entire Hayward community will be safer. I congratulate the Hayward Police Department on being selected for this award to hire more School Resource Officers," said Congressman Swalwell. "I supported Hayward's application when they applied for this grant and I am pleased that they were chosen."

"This is truly a community effort," explained Hayward Police Chief Diane Urban. "Our goal is to improve community outreach, increase campus safety, and provide critical intervention to at-risk youth and their families."

With the two additional staff members, the Hayward Police Department will bring its total to eight SROs. The Alameda County Sheriff's Office also will receive COPS funding to hire eight police officers.

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