Pallone Announces New Grants to Support Public Safety and Hire Law Enforcement Officers in Middlesex and Monmouth Counties

New Brunswick, NJ – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) announced new federal funding to support public safety and strengthen law enforcement in Middlesex and Monmouth Counties. Perth Amboy will receive $1.25 million to hire 10 new police officers. New Brunswick will receive $250,000 to hire two police officers. The funding comes from the Department of Justice's Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) COPS Hiring Program.

Additionally, Sayreville will receive $175,000 to enhance community policing practices through trust and legitimacy building with the community. Rutgers University will receive $100,000 to recruit and retain officers. These awards are made through the COPS Office's Community Policing Development Program.

The Middletown Board of Education will also receive $491,000 from the Department's Office's School Violence Prevention Program (SVPP) to improve security at schools and on school campuses. The funding can be used to coordinate with local law enforcement, train local law enforcement officers to prevent school violence, and equipment to enhance security.

"Everyone deserves to feel safe in their homes, workplaces, and places of learning. 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 ensure our students can thrive," 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.