State Representative Frank A. Moran (D—Lawrence) today announced that a state grant the Representative filed in the state budget has resulted in almost three quarters of a million dollars in increased funding to hire more police officers in the City of Lawrence. This year was the fifth that Rep. Moran has filed this amendment to the state budget, which has resulted in Lawrence receiving $700,000 in grant money.
“In my conversations with constituents, public safety has consistently been a concern of theirs. I’ve made this a top priority during my time as a public servant for Lawrence, and I’ll continue to push for a safer community and more support for our hardworking law enforcement professionals. I would like to thank my colleagues Rep. DiZoglio and Rep. Matias for cosponsoring as well as Senator L’Italien for her support in the Senate,” said State Representative Frank Moran.
“I’m very pleased to see that the city of Lawrence was awarded $700,000 through Municipal Police Staffing Grant which enhances the capacity our public safety and emergency response teams. As a strong supporter of our City’s law enforcement, I believe the funds awarded to the Lawrence Police Department will be an effective method in maintaining stability in the Department and will ensure that Lawrence attracts and retains its best officers and increases our overall safety and security,” said State Representative Juana Matias.
Proactive measures allowed for from this funding could include directed patrols based upon crime analysis and using community policing problem solving to address community concerns. Additionally, these funds can be used to hire police recruits within and beyond this fiscal year.
In past years, the grant program has been very successful in Lawrence. The funds have allowed the City to hire additional police officers and it has seen a corresponding decrease in crime.
“This funding will go a long way toward strengthening the Lawrence community. Improving public safety is an important step as Lawrence continues to revitalize,” said State Senator Barbara L’Italien.
“This important funding will greatly help the Lawrence Police Department in its efforts to hire new officers and continue to promote public safety in our communities,” said State Representative Diana DiZoglio.
The grant, administered by the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, assists cities that spend less than $200 per capita on its police department. Any funds awarded must be spent on restoring laid off sworn officers, retaining officers that would otherwise be laid off, restoring staffing levels due to attrition and other reasons, restoring or retaining civilian employees, or restoring enforcement-related overtime staffing.