Pallone Announces New Federal Funding to Hire Law Enforcement Officers in New Brunswick and Carteret

Washington, DC – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) announced new federal funding to support public safety and strengthen law enforcement in Middlesex County. New Brunswick will receive $987,102 to hire 8 law enforcement officers, and Carteret will receive $625,000 to hire 5 law enforcement officers. The funding is provided through the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) COPS Hiring Program that supports the hiring and retention of law enforcement.

Additionally, the New Jersey Department of Public Safety will receive $3,787,301 through the COPS Anti-Heroin Task Force (AHTF) Program, which is a competitive award program designed to advance public safety by providing funds directly to state law enforcement agencies in states to locate or investigate illicit activities relating to the distribution of heroin, fentanyl, or carfentanil, or to the unlawful distribution of prescription opioids.

“Everyone deserves to be safe in their homes, workplaces, and schools, and this funding will go a long way to make our communities and schools safer. It gives our law enforcement officers the resources they need to prevent crime and combat the opioid epidemic in our state,” Pallone said.  “I’m grateful to our law enforcement officers who work to build trust with our communities and help make New Jersey a safe place to live. I’ll continue to advocate for federal funding to ensure our cities and towns have the resources they need to promote public safety.”

“With the acceptance of $987,102 awarded through US Department of Justice’s COPS Hiring Grant, we continue to bolster our law enforcement efforts by hiring new police officers. This funding is a testament to our commitment to safety and the well-being of our citizens,” said New Brunswick Mayor James Cahill. “With these additional officers, we continue taking significant steps towards ensuring the security and peace of mind of our residents. Together, we will continue to build a safer and stronger future for our city."

“The federal grant from the US Department of Justice, which provides funding for eight (8) dedicated police officers, reinforces our dedication to community safety,” said Police Director Anthony A. Caputo. “The New Brunswick Police Department is committed to serving our residents and working together to build a safer and stronger future for our city.”

"We appreciate the Department of Justice for funding the COPS Hiring Program for the Borough of Carteret. We want to express our deep gratitude to Congressman Pallone for his career long support for the USDOJ COPS initiatives and President Biden, for allocating funding to increase police hiring initiatives around the nation. This commitment to bolstering our law enforcement efforts is particularly significant for our community,” said Carteret Mayor Daniel J. Reiman. “It has been quite some time since the Borough of Carteret last received funding under the COPS program, with President Clinton's administration being the last to provide support. This renewed support from the federal government couldn't have come at a more crucial time, as it will greatly aid in addressing several pressing issues within our community. The funding allocated through the COPS Hiring Program will serve as a lifeline for our police department, enabling us to increase our staffing levels and provide the much-needed resources to continue our fight against crime. With this support, we can further enhance our efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of our residents."

"In recent years, our community has faced various challenges related to public safety, and we have been working tirelessly to combat crime and maintain a secure environment for our residents. The additional funding will help us hire more qualified and dedicated officers while investing in training, proper use of equipment, and community policing initiatives. This will allow us to build stronger relationships with our residents, fostering a sense of trust and collaboration that is crucial for effective crime reduction,” said Chief Dennis McFadden. “We understand that public safety is a shared responsibility, and we are committed to working hand in hand with our federal partners, our state, and our local community to ensure that our streets are safe and our neighborhoods remain vibrant and thriving."