KILLEEN, T.X. –Congressman John Carter (R-TX31) is proud to announce the Killeen Police Department was awarded a $1.5 million grant, which will fund 12 new police officers.

The Justice Department’s COPS Hiring Program (CHP) grants are awarded to local law enforcement agencies in need of new officers to help with crime prevention efforts in their communities. A total of 212 law enforcement agencies nationwide received the grants, which totaled $121.4 million.

“I am proud to have so many great law enforcement agencies, like the Killeen Police Department, in my district. The men and women who protect their communities deserve the best we can provide to them. This grant will add to the already exceptional force that the Killeen Police Department has,” said Congressman Carter.

“Public safety is consistently ranked the number one priority by our residents, and this COPS grant will aid tremendously in our policing efforts. The steadfast support of Congressman Carter is essential in our pursuits of federal funding, and his influence undoubtedly contributed to our receiving this grant,” said Killeen Mayor Scott Cosper.

“Safety and security is one of our city’s strategic goals, and this grant will be of great importance to providing police services to our community in the future,” Killeen City Manager Glenn Morrison. The impact of this grant funding will be significant, and I am very proud of the  efforts of our team that made this possible.”

“We are grateful to receive this funding. It will put more officers on the street to serve a growing community,” said Killeen Police Chief Dennis Baldwin. “We cannot thank Congressman Carter’s office enough for the support we receive. It’s greatly appreciated.”

According to the Justice Department, the COPS grants were given to agencies that requested officer positions in order to deploy school resource officers, build trust between the police and community, hire military veterans, and/or focus on homicide or gun violence.