Boston Police Jobs Saved

Posted on August 5, 2009

Several Boston police jobs in danger of being cut because of the economic recession will soon be saved thanks to a round of federal stimulus funding.

Mayor Thomas M. Menino recently announced that the Department of Justice has awarded the City of Boston $11.8 million in grant money from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to help retain police officers. As part of the COPS Hiring Recovery Program, the funding will allow the Boston Police Department to retain 50 sworn officer positions that otherwise would have been eliminated as a result of the current economy.

According to the CityofBoston.gov, the federal funding will support the base salary and benefit costs associated with retaining officers for three years. In addition, the City of Boston will be responsible for maintaining the positions that are funded for at least one year beyond the award period.

“This award is a terrific example of Boston’s strong commitment to public safety,” Menino said. “This funding will keep officers on the streets of our neighborhoods and continue our progress in community policing. I am proud of the work done by the Boston Police Department in reducing crime across our city, and this funding will allow us to continue these effective strategies.”

Boston is one of only 24 cities to receive the maximum award possible from the Department of Justice. Officers funded under the program will allow the police department to continue and expand its data driven, collaborative, community-oriented initiatives on a citywide basis so they have the greatest impact on violence while at the same time improving community trust.