Rep. Johnson announces Recovery fighting crime, funding local police

WASHINGTON – Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04) announced today that 18 more officers will be on the job in DeKalb and Rockdale counties thanks to funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

It’s part of $1 billion in grants to hire or rehire 4,699 law enforcement officers throughout the country. Georgia received more than $31 million for 184 officers.

The grants, administered by the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) through the federal agency’s COPS Hiring Recovery Program, will provide 100 percent of the approved salary and benefits for entry-level officer positions for three years.

“As a former county commissioner, I understand that public safety is the No. 1 priority for local officials,” said Johnson. “I’m pleased that we are able to help local governments in the Fourth make the necessary investments to fight crime more effectively and protect our citizens.”

DeKalb County was awarded $3,112,845 to fund 15 officer positions, and Conyers will receive $409,728 to fund three officers.

DeKalb Chief Operating officer Burrell Ellis, faced with difficult budget decisions, said the funding is crucial to his police department.

“One of the problems we’re dealing with is that we need more officers who will help the dedicated men and women we currently have on the force,” said Ellis. “I told the citizens and officers of this county that help was on the way, and this is part of fulfilling that promise.”

Conyers Police Chief David Cathcart said the boost from COPS will make his already high-achieving department even better.

“One of the many benefits of living in the City of Conyers is excellent law enforcement,” said Cathcart. “This grant will help our team keep an even closer eye over our homes and businesses.”

For more information about the grants, please visit www.cops.usdoj.gov.