Justice Department awards more than six million dollars to local police departments

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Clay County Sheriff’s Office, Nassau County Board of County Commissioners, and the City of Jacksonville has been given over six million dollars to hire new full-time law enforcement officers.

The funds come from the Justice Department’s Community Oriented Policing Services Hiring Program. 14 total law enforcement agencies were awarded money in the Middle District of Florida.

“Community policing is an effective tool in reducing crime in our neighborhoods, building relationships of mutual trust and accountability, and implementing successful prevention and intervention strategies,” said U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez. “We are eager to continue working with our partner agencies, our community, and our citizens in this collective problem solving strategy to improve public safety.”

Clay County Sheriff’s Department was awarded $500,000 to hire four new officers. Nassau County Board of County Commissioners was also awarded $500,000 to hire four new officers. The City of Jacksonville was awarded the most money, being given $5,000,000 to hire 40 new officers.