The officers will be funded through the Police on Patrol program, created by the Governor in July amid growing violence statewide. Governor Rendell has announced that 15 cities, including Pittsburgh, were eligible to share nearly $10 million to hire 195 new officers. Pittsburgh's grant has been approved and the funds will be released by January 1.
"Last year in Pittsburgh, 54 people lost their lives to gun violence, and another 1,200 were victims of aggravated assaults and robberies with firearms," Governor Rendell said. "All in all, nearly 85 percent of the homicides here were committed with firearms. It is imperative that we work together to curb the violence that is claiming lives and destroying families."
The Police on Patrol grant program is administered by the PCCD. With $10 million, the new program will mean that $50,000 a year will be available for three years to communities that demonstrate they will hire new officers - above budgeted planned hires - and add them to their street patrols. Communities have committed to continue to fund the positions fully for three years after state funds expire.
PCCD awarded the grants on a competitive basis, examining how effectively the municipality showed that additional police officers would impact the reduction of violent crime and whether the new officers would be given training to enhance the conflict resolution and mediation skills needed in the communities they will serve.
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