Jeff Bingaman United States Senator from New Mexico

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jeff Bingaman and Tom Udall today announced that the federal government on releasing over $5 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grant funding to help New Mexico communities hire law enforcement officers.

The grants are being provided through the U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Hiring Recovery Program, and will provide 100 percent of the approved salary and benefits for entry level officer positions over a three year period.  Police departments receiving the grants will then be required to retain the grant funded positions for a fourth year.

"Providing for an adequate number of law enforcement officers is key to keeping our state's communities safe. Unfortunately, smaller communities often lack the resources needed to hire enough police officers and sheriff's deputies to address crime," Bingaman said.  "This funding will help many New Mexico law enforcement agencies hire or rehire officers and help them meet their policing needs."

"In a struggling economic climate, crime is often on the rise.  Adding additional police officers in these areas will help combat crime and allow New Mexicans to feel safe in their homes and communities," said Udall.  "This Recovery Act funding is also creating lasting jobs that benefit New Mexico's police force." The following communities and police departments will receive funding: