Congresswoman Hirono Votes in Favor of Federal Funding to Hire Additional Police Officers
222 new officers could be added to Hawai‘i’s 2nd Congressional District
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congresswoman Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai‘i) voted Thursday in favor of the COPS Improvements Act, H.R. 1139, which calls for putting 50,000 additional police officers on America’s streets over the next 5 years. The bill authorizes $1.25 billion a year for COPS (Community Oriented Policing Services) hiring grants. H.R. 1139 passed the House by a vote of 342 to 78.
“Based on the grant program’s history, the U.S. Department of Justice estimates that this legislation could translate into the hiring of more than 200 new police officers for the state of Hawai‘i who will protect island families and reduce crime,” said Hirono. “This bill is particularly needed during these challenging economic times. The Honolulu Police Department is currently under a hiring freeze. The remaining three county police departments indicate they are on tight budgets. Creating jobs is one of my top priorities, and the COPS Improvements Act certainly does that while helping keep Hawai‘i’s streets safe.”
H.R. 1139 also authorizes $350 million a year for COPS technology grants, as well as $200 million a year for the hiring of community prosecutors.
The COPS Improvements Act now goes before the U.S. Senate for consideration.
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