Hartford and Connecticut’s two other largest cities are each receiving more than $4 million in federal stimulus money to hire police officers.
Hartford will get $4.26 million for 23 officers; Bridgeport, $4.8 million for 20 officers; and New Haven, $4.66 million for 22 officers.
Hartford Mayor Eddie A. Perez says the money is “very timely” and will pay for an entire recruiting class and help reduce crime.
Perez says 78 Connecticut law enforcement agencies applied and only three received funding.
Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch says the city will be able to beef up street and traffic patrols at a time when it could not raise taxes to pay for the positions because of foreclosures in Connecticut’s largest city.
Telephone messages were left for New Haven officials. (AP)
