FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WASHINGTON, D.C. ----

Congressman Faleomavaega notified Governor Tauese today that the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) within the U.S. Department of Justice has announced a grant of $563,625 to the American Samoa Department of Public Safety (DPS). The funds were awarded under the COPS' Universal Hiring Program.

Funding under the grant allows law enforcement agencies to pay for salaries and benefits in order to hire additional sworn officers. Grants are made in amounts up to 75% of the officers' salaries, including benefits, over three years. The Congressman said that the announcement from the Department of Justice indicated that today's grant will fund an additional 10 full-time positions within DPS.

"I have long been a supporter of President Clinton's commitment to the security and safety of our communities," said Faleomavaega. "This grant demonstrates the President's continuing commitment to including American Samoa within the COPS initiative." The Congressman noted that DPS has previously been awarded more than $500,000 for new officers under the COPS program.

Faleomavaega concluded, "I commend Governor Tauese, the Commissioner of Public Safety, High Chief Te'o Fuavai and staff from DPS for their dedication and commitment to public safety in American Samoa. Keep up the good work."