In the News

Three police departments in Northeastern Pennsylvania will receive a combined $1.1 million in federal funds to hire nine officers to boost their community policing efforts.

Wilkes-Barre received the largest share of $500,000 for four officers under the Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services hiring program grants announced Wednesday by U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright, D-Moosic. Pittston’s share was $275,000 for two officers and $375,000 went to Pocono Township in Monroe County for three additional officers.

Speaking at press conference in the lobby of the Wilkes-Barre City Police Department headquarters downtown, Cartwright said the grants typically are five year commitments with the federal government covering the costs for three years and the municipalities are responsible for the remaining two years.