Providence Wins Federal COPS Hiring Grant to Add 15 New Officers

Press Release

Today, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and U.S. Representatives James Langevin and David Cicilline joined Providence Mayor Jorge O. Elorza in announcing $1.875 million to help the Providence Police Department add up to 15 more police officers to patrols and fill existing vacancies.

Administered by the U.S. Department of Justice's Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Office, this COPS Hiring Program (CHP) grant will help put more police officers on the streets, reduce crime, and help the city fill budget gaps. More than $107 million in grants were awarded nationally to nearly 200 law enforcement agencies across the nation. The program provides salaries and benefits for officer hires for three years.

"These federal funds will help enhance public safety by putting more officers on the streets and improving collaboration between police and the community. This was a highly competitive application process and I commend Mayor Elorza and Chief Clements for putting together a winning proposal," said Senator Reed, a member of the Appropriations Committee who helped set aside $180 million for the COPS program in the 2015 Appropriations bill, and who supported the city's grant application.

"Rhode Island police officers and law enforcement officials are on the frontlines every day keeping our communities safe," said Senator Whitehouse. "This federal grant will strengthen community policing efforts by ensuring the department has the manpower it needs. I congratulate the Providence Police Department on its successful grant application."

"Providing public safety services is a core function of government, and in our capital city, with nearly 180,000 residents and many more visitors, it is a significant challenge. Still, despite tightening municipal budgets, the Providence Police Department continues to provide exceptional service," said Congressman Jim Langevin. "This $1.8 million grant will fund 15 much-needed officer positions and empower Providence Police to continue to serve and protect to the very best of their ability. I am especially pleased with the ongoing emphasis on community policing, a model that has been shown to cultivate strong, resilient relationships between law enforcement and the public, and I am confident that these funds will aid the department in those efforts."

"Keeping residents and visitors to the Capital city is incredibly important work and I am thrilled that the Providence Police Department will receive more than $1.8 million in federal funds to do their work. This COPS funding will help strengthen the Police Department, help support community policing, improve crime prevention and ultimately enhance public safety. Congratulations to Mayor Elorza, Chief Clements and the outstanding men and women of the Providence Police Department on receiving this grant," said Congressman David Cicilline.