FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The City of Springfield was notified Monday by the U.S. Department of Justice that the City will receive funds to assist with the hiring of 10 additional officer positions under the 2014 COPS Hiring Program (CHP). The estimated total amount of federal funds to be awarded to the jurisdiction over the three-year grant period is just over $1 million. The City must make a local cash match of 25% over the three-year grant period. After the three-year grant, the City will assume 100% of the ongoing costs for the additional officers. The Springfield Police Department is currently recruiting and testing for current vacancies. According to Police Chief Paul Williams, an academy for the grant-funded officers will take place in June 2015. That would put new officers on the street in March 2016. The grant is contingent upon formal City Council approval. The grant will be presented at an upcoming meeting. Williams will be available to answer questions at a City Council lunch workshop, noon Tuesday, Sept. 30 at the Busch Municipal Building, 840 Boonville. # # # For more information, contact: Cora Scott, Director of Public Information & Civic Engagement, 417-864-1009 (office) | 417-380-3352 (cell), cscott@springfieldmo.gov.
