September 30, 2011 - The Houston Police Department is the recipient of a federal grant which will fund the hiring of additional police officers over the next three years.

The $4.9 million dollar grant, awarded by the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), will be used to hire and train 25 police cadets, and is in addition to a $9.9 million dollar grant previously received by the department to hire 50 cadets that will begin academy training on December 5, 2011.

“Having more officers on Houston streets will certainly help our communities and, hopefully, further improve our crime statistics,” said Mayor Annise Parker. “Public safety is my highest priority, but with the City’s limited funds, additional grant money goes a long way to help ensure the safety of our city.”

Police Chief Charles A. McClelland, Jr., says the grant is greatly appreciated.  “Anytime we can get assistance to fund more officers to patrol our neighborhoods, it is good news for HPD and the citizens we serve.  The Houston Police Department is thankful for the assistance we have received from the Texas congressional delegation in securing this grant.”

VHS/JFC  9-30-11