SGPD Awarded $500,000 Grant

Presione aquí para leer en español.

Democratic Congresswoman Linda Sánchez (CA-39) has announced that the U.S. Department of Justice has awarded $500,000 grant to the South Gate Police Department (SGPD).

This new source of funding has been referred to as the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Hiring Program grant. 

This grant will permit the SGPD to increase its community policing initiatives, hire new police officers, as well as increase crime prevention efforts.

“We have to do everything we can to make our communities safe and this grant funding will help the City of South Gate and its police department take huge steps in crime prevention,” said Congresswoman Sanchez in statement. “I was proud to support this grant which will help South Gate thrive.”

The COPS grant requires that every newly hired officer to be a military veteran. Only veterans that have served for 180 days or more in active military service are eligible. 

The SGPD has welcomed the extra funds with a lot of gratitude especially in the midst of budget difficulties. They are also looking forward to helping out veterans.

"In times of tight budgets and a difficult economy this grant gives the city an opportunity to not only increase the safety of all residents...but also to provide needed jobs to those who have served our country well through the various branches of our military," said Captain Keith Hupp of the SGPD in a statement via email.