Several New Jersey politicians announced Monday that nearly $3 million in federal funding has been awarded to Camden County and Wildwood to hire 21 new police officers between the two cities.

U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker along with Congressmen Frank LoBiondo and Donald Norcross say the $2.93 million grant award, through the Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), is part of a combined $107 million nationwide in COPS hiring program. Under the grant, the Camden County Police Department will be able to hire fifteen new officers with $2.18 million and Wildwood can hire six with $750,000.

In a press release, Congressman LoBiondo said, “Keeping our communities safe is a never-ending mission of the men and women who wear the uniform. Today’s federal funding will ensure additional qualified law enforcement officers are hired to ensure the safety and security of Wildwood and its residents."

The COPS hiring grants provide 75 percent funding for approved entry-level salaries and benefits for three years for newly-hired, full-time sworn officer positions or for rehired officers who have been laid off, or are scheduled to be laid off on a future date, as a result of local budget cuts.

More From WPG Talk Radio 95.5 FM