South Carolina Gets Stimulus Money to Add More Officers

By: Associated Press & Elizabeth Owens | News Channel 7
Published: July 30, 2009

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - South Carolina is getting federal stimulus money to add 139 law enforcement officers at 45 departments across the state.

Multiple media outlets reported Wednesday that the state received more than $20 million for new officers. That's much less than the $112 million requested by departments.

The largest recipient is Charleston, which is receiving $3 million for 19 officers. Columbia and North Charleston are getting nearly $3 million each. Columbia will hire 18 officers and North Charleston 15.

Rock Hill will get more than $850,000 for six police officers.

The state of South Carolina received more than 20 million dollars for new officers, under the COPS Hiring Recovery Program.

South Carolina COPS $$$

City of Anderson $607,525 5 officers

Gaffney $283,734 2 officers

Greenwood Co. $514,368 4 officers

Greer Police $458,667 3 officers

Inman Police $108,779 1 officer

Simpsonville Police $252,294 2 officers

Spartanburg Public Safety $430,287 3 officers

Wellford Police $122,413 1 officers

Some agencies like Greenville County Sheriff's Office did not apply for the grant.
The grant is only good for three years and once that money is gone there's a chance those officers may be gone too.
Spartanburg Public Safety Director Tony Fisher thinks the funds, even though only temporary, will make a difference in the community. "It's not retaining the officers, its what three officers can do for me in three years. These officers can really educate residents," Tony Fisher said.

North Carolina awarded $30 million for local law enforcement

U.S. Senator Kay R. Hagan announced Wednesday that local law enforcement departments across North Carolina will receive more than $30 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding to hire additional officers.

In total, fifty North Carolina departments will receive U.S. Department of Justice Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) grants.

Among the local agencies getting stimulus dollars to hire additional officers:

Mt. Airy Police Department 2 officers $257,598

Waynesville Police Department 2 officers $275,482

Henderson Police Department 3 officers $369,306

Franklin County Sheriff's Office 3 officers $430,863