New Grants Enhance Cayce’s Public Safety Efforts
July 31, 2009
CAYCE, SC – July 31, 2009 – City of Cayce Public Safety Department will add three more officers to the force and will be awarded $387,297 due to federal grants through the COPS Hiring Recovery Program (CHRP).
We are thankful to be one of the recipients of the grant, says Mayor Elise Partin. The addition of these officers will take pressure off of our current officers and keep our city safer.
The Obama Administration announced on Tuesday that $1 billion in grants will be used to keep or add law enforcement jobs. Attorney General Eric Holder made a commitment to hire or retain up to 5,000 sworn law enforcement jobs through COPS Hiring Recovery Program.
7,000 state and local agencies applied for grants, which are part of the $787 billion stimulus package — only 1,000 were approved.
Altogether, the State of South Carolina received grants totaling $20.7 million for 139 new law enforcement positions. The Palmetto State received 2.08 percent of the $1 billion awarded nationwide.
“Due to the recent annexations, the manpower is stretched. This is a good start to ensure the safety and security of our citizens and businesses alike in the City of Cayce,” says Director of Public Safety Charles McNair. “This is a small step for us to continue our services in a bigger area,” he added.
With the funds, the City of Cayce will introduce a Community Policing Advisory Board (CPAB) that will consist of local schools, churches, neighborhood groups, businesses, and additional law enforcement.
“The grant will allow the city to hire new officers to participate in the COPS unit who will implement goals and strategies based on the boards’ input of the problems and needs of the community,” says City Manager Johnny Sharpe, acknowledging the potential outcomes of the strategic plan. “The Community Policing Advisory Board will also establish the mission of the new COPS unit. The officers will be assigned to primary areas of concern and will establish partnering relations with the residents, schools, churches, and businesses.”
