news

Sterling, VA -- Today, Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton (D-VA) announced that the City of Manassas Park has been awarded a federal Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) COPS Hiring Program (CHP) grant, totaling $250,000, for the purpose of hiring new law enforcement professionals.

“I’ve been a strong supporter of community policing initiatives in Congress. When our law enforcement agencies have the resources they need to be out and about in their communities, they’re able to build key relationships and trust with those they serve,” said Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton. “That’s exactly what this new federal COPS Grant will enable Manassas Park to do by providing funding for two new officers to attend community events, liaise with neighborhood leaders, and ensure public safety through community engagement. I’m grateful for the leadership of Chief Lugo and the Department’s focus on investing in community policing, and I’m proud that the federal government is delivering the resources they need to achieve their goals.”

“We are excited and grateful to be awarded the Department of Justice COPS Hiring Program grant this year. This grant provides the City the opportunity to hire two new officers as a part of our community policing strategy and crime prevention efforts, which ultimately help to make Manassas Park a safer community to live and work in. As always, we are grateful for the continued support from Congresswoman Wexton’s Office on this and other grant funding opportunities.” -- Manassas Park Police Department and City Manager’s Office.

Staffing constraints mean that the Manassas Park Police Department is not always able to participate in community events such as National Night Out, homeowners associations meetings, or local neighborhood watch meetings. The federal grant would fund two new positions to be out in the community during the day while also sharing the responsibilities of patrol and responding to calls.

The COPS Hiring Program is a competitive award program intended to reduce crime and advance public safety through community policing by providing direct funding for the hiring of career law enforcement officers. CHP provides funds directly to law enforcement agencies to hire new or rehire additional career law enforcement officers, thereby increasing their community policing capacity and crime prevention efforts.

###