Salem receives grant to hire new police officer

SALEM -- The Salem Police Department has received a grant for the hire of a new police officer.

The $125,000 grant from the Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services is part of the "Cops Hiring Program" (CHP), for the hire of one officer. The CHP is intended to provide direct financial support to police departments across the country to hire new officers and expand community policing capacity. This year's awards totaled $216,809,571 to 394 departments and is intended to fund the hire of 1,730 officers across the country.

Police Chief J.T. Panezott said he is excited to receive the grant, and that he will be discussing the award further with city leaders soon.

"I'm very excited about being awarded the money to get an extra officer on the street," said Panezott.

mahart@mojonews.com