South Bend, IN — Today, Congressman Joe Donnelly announced that the Mishawaka and Lakeville police departments have received federal grants to hire additional police officers.  Both police departments received funding through the Department of Justice’s COPS Hiring Program.

“I’m pleased that with these grants, both the Mishawaka and Lakeville Police Departments will be able to hire new officers,” said Donnelly.  “While police departments across north central Indiana are facing budget shortfalls, we need to ensure that we have enough law enforcement officers keeping our communities safe.  I’m proud to support the efforts of our local police departments to receive this much-needed funding.”

“We are very excited because this is the first increase in manpower we’ve had in several years,” said Steve Ravotto, Division Chief of Services for the Mishawaka Police Department.  “This will allow us to better utilize our manpower and give us flexibility to have officers on the street or in special units to better fight crime.  I want to express our gratitude to Congressman Donnelly and his office for their help in getting this grant.” 

The Mishawaka Police Department received a $356,256 grant to hire two additional police officers and the Lakeville Police Department received an $114,003 grant to hire one additional officer.
The COPS Hiring Program (CHP) provides funding to address the full-time sworn officer needs of state and local law enforcement agencies across the country.  CHP grants go directly to law enforcement agencies to hire new or rehire career officers in an effort to increase their ability to police communities and prevent crime.  CHP provides salary and benefits for three years for newly-hired, full-time sworn officers.

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