Hopkins Receives $242K for New Police Officer

The will receive $242,266 under a Department of Justice effort to fund the hiring of new officers, according to a news release from the department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services.

The money is part of a $243 million package “to hire police officers dedicated to addressing specific crime and disorder challenges confronting communities,” according to the release.

"Cities across the country are dealing with numerous challenges and we are pleased to be able to assist their public safety efforts," COPS Director Bernard Melekian was quoted in the release. "Creating and maintaining jobs is a key part of this program.  This funding helps support local departments in their efforts to increase their ranks, enhance their relationship with the community and directly address their public safety concerns."

The money covers full entry-level salaries and benefits packages for newly hired, or rehired full-time police officers for three years. Hopkins’ award covers one position, according to the office.

Five additional Minnesota communities received money. They are:

• Bagley Police Department received $175,740
• City of Grand Rapids received $245,184
• Hopkins Police Department received $242,266
• Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians received $168,278
• Richfield Department of Public Safety received $247,646
• Upper Sioux Indian Community received $157,884

More than 2,700 communities applied for the grants—requesting a total of $2 billion and 8,999 positions. The final package includes money for 1,021 law enforcement positions.