Importance of Stimulus Funding for Police

 

Contact:                                                                                               April 14, 2010

    Kara Bowlin                                                 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    314-622-3479

 

US COPS Director Bernard Melekian, Mayor Slay, Chief Isom Discuss Importance of Stimulus Finding for Police

Mayor Slay, Chief Isom, and Community Orientated Policing Services (COPS) Director Bernard Melekian gathered at City Hall this morning to discuss the importance of stimulus monies allocated to police departments. The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department received $8,678,550 to fund 50 police officers for three years. Next month, the first round of those COPS-funded officers will graduate from the Police Academy and will be active SLMPD officers.  

“In the first three months of this year, the City of St. Louis saw a 12.4% decrease in crime compared to 2009. With the addition of 50 new police officers, I hope crime will continue to go down,” Mayor Slay said. “This is a time when many cities facing similar budget shortfalls will be forced to reduce their police force. We are committed to maintaining our current staffing levels.” 

The City of St. Louis currently has 1290 police officers. Within a month, 31 COPS-funded officers will be added. A City-funded class of 34 officers is set to graduate in the fall, and the final round of COPS-funded officers will enter the Police Academy in the fall. 

“We were thrilled to receive the COPS grant,” Said Chief Isom. “In this challenging fiscal environment, many police departments have been forced into hiring freezes. This grant ensures there will be 50 more officers who will continue our efforts to decrease crime and to protect the people who live, work, and play in St. Louis.”

“These grants provide funding for officers who make our communities, including St. Louis, safer through the advancement of community policing,” said Director Melekian.

For more information on the COPS grant, please contact the Metropolitan Police Department’s Public Information Office at 314-444-5603.

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