WASHINGTON   –   U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) today announced that the U.S. Department of Justice will make a $75,000 grant to the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department through the COPS Universal Hiring Program.  The funds will support the hiring of one additional officer.

“I have long supported the COPS program, and we have to fight every year to keep federal funds available for community policing and public safety,” Emerson said.  “Phelps County will benefit from the added focus on law enforcement in a number of ways.  We are very fortunate to have a skilled and dedicated group of first responders who put the well-being of Phelps County residents above all else.”

The grant is one of three being made to communities in the state of Missouri.