Feds give Philly $3.1 million to hire 25 cops

THE PHILADELPHIA Police Department will receive $3.1 million from the U.S. Department of Justice to help pay the salary and benefits of 25 new cops.

Mayor Nutter joined U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder and other elected officials Monday in City Hall for the announcement. The three-year federal grant, also known as the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) award, requires that the positions be filled by military veterans who have served at least 180 days since 9/ 11.

"Those who graciously served our country will know that their fellow citizens and leaders in the Obama administration are committed to taking care of them when they come home," said Holder.

Terry Gillen, the mayor's director of federal legislative affairs, said that 15 percent of the city's most recent police recruits were veterans. Nutter said that he hopes to have the new officers in the Police Academy by the fall.

"Public safety is a top priority for cities all across America," Nutter said. "COPS grants give our cities the tools they need to keep our citizens safe."

Philadelphia was one of 226 cities and counties to receive the 2012 COPS grant. Philadelphia last received the federal grant in 2009 and hired 15 cops. More than $111 million is being awarded to public-safety agencies throughout the country. In the past year, Holder said, thousands of law-enforcement officers were laid off, and 85 percent of public-safety agencies reported cuts. Holder said that the grant will save 200 law-enforcement jobs and create 800 positions throughout the country.

Like Philadelphia, Chicago got $3.1 million. Los Angeles got the top grant, $6.4 million.