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The Wilkes-Barre Township Police Department received a grant of $375,000 from the 2024 Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Hiring Program to enhance public safety by offsetting the costs associated with hiring additional police officers, the department announced Thursday.
According to a press release posted on the department’s Facebook page, the grant will provide substantial financial relief to Wilkes-Barre Township by covering a significant portion of the costs associated with hiring new officers.
The grant will cover up to 75% of the entry-level salaries and benefits for newly hired officers over three years.
This will allow the township to allocate its budget more effectively, ensuring that other critical community services and projects continue to receive the necessary funding, the release stated.
Chief Will Clark of the Wilkes-Barre Township Police expressed gratitude to Congressman Matt Cartwright for his support and guidance.
“This grant is a significant step forward for our Township and Police Department. It allows us to enhance our police force without placing additional financial strain on our residents. We are committed to ensuring that Wilkes-Barre Township remains a safe and welcoming place for all. We would like to thank Congressman Cartwright for assisting us in making [the] application for this vital source of much needed funding,” Clark stated in the post.
According to the press release, The COPS Hiring Program, administered by the U.S. Department of Justice, is designed to advance public safety through community policing.