Dear Mayor:

Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives approved legislation that would boost the authorized funding levels for a federal program that helps local law enforcement agencies hire more police officers. H.R. 1700, which passed 381-34, would increase the authorization for the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program to $1.15 billion in each of the next six fiscal years, beginning in 2008.

The authorization includes up to $600 million annually for officers hired to perform intelligence, anti-terror or homeland security duties; $350 million per year for technology grants; and up to $200 million annually to help local district attorneys hire community prosecutors. The bill also authorizes funding for a recruiting program for military veterans to pursue law enforcement careers.

The bill is co-sponsored by Representatives Andrews, Holt, Pascrell and Sires and was also supported by Congressmen Ferguson, Frelinghuysen, LoBiondo, Pallone, Payne, Rothman, Saxton and Smith.

The COPS program, a legislative priority for us and first authorized in 1994, was originally designed to help states and localities hire more police officers as part of a national effort to reduce crime. Although the Bush administration has repeatedly targeted the program for reduced funding, Congress has consistently supported it.

The Senate Judiciary Committee approved a companion measure (S. 368) on March 15, but the full Senate has not yet considered it. That bill is co-sponsored by Senators Lautenberg and Menendez.

For more information, contact Jon Moran at 609-695-3481, ext. 121.

Very truly yours,

                                                                        William G. Dressel, Jr.
                                                                        Executive Director