Town Receives Federal Grant for School Resource Officers

PORTSMOUTH, RI -- The local police department has received a $250,000 grant from the U.S. Justice Department.

According to U.S. Sens. Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Congs. Jim Langevin and David Cicilline, the federal Community Oriented Policing Services -- or COPS -- Office handed out $119 million nationwide, as part of a hiring program.

Portsmouth share of the pie will go to hire two school resource officers. One will work full-time at the high school, while the second officer will cover the middle and elementary schools.

Warwick also received a grant for $375,000 to hire three community engagement officers, Reed's office said. "Since 2009, police departments in Rhode Island have received over $13.7 million as part of the COPS Hiring Program."

“Even with tight budgets, public safety must be our top priority," Sen. Reed said. "This federal funding will help Portsmouth and Warwick meet that goal by hiring additional police officers for the community."