Stimulus money may foot bill for new St. Joseph County officers

By Debra Daniel (daniel@wsbt.com)

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Stimulus money may foot bill for new St. Joseph County officers

St. Joseph County (Ind.) Sheriff's Department may be able to hire officers with federal stimulus money. WSBT-TV Photo

By WSBT 24/7 News

Story Created: Apr 7, 2009 at 4:22 PM EST

Story Updated: Apr 12, 2009 at 7:45 AM EST

Cpl. Robert Lawson has patrolled St. Joseph County streets for more than two decades. Today, he says, he and his fellow officers could use some help.

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"We're at least 14 guys short right now," said Lawson.

Now, that help may be coming thanks to a federal grant program with $1 billion more available this year in stimulus money.

It’s set aside to pay for entry-level police officers for three years. After that, each department must pick up the tab. County commissioners gave the department the go-ahead to apply during a meeting on Monday.

Commissioner Dave Thomas said at least three officers will retire from the department in the next three years, offsetting the cost of the new officers in the fourth year.

In the meantime, Thomas said new hires should actually save the county money on overtime.

“If there’s extra manpower, in theory, there will be less overtime so that would help.”

Police should hear within 60 days whether they’ve been approved for the grant.

Berrien County Commissioners are looking to get some stimulus money of their own to put more officers on the roads.

On Thursday, commissioners plan to vote on whether to apply for the money in order to hire 6 officers.

County leaders say the stimulus money would help them avoid layoffs while the county deals with a projected 4 million dollar deficit next year.

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