GF Rejects Cops Grant

The Grand Forks City Council has rejected a federal grant designed to put more police on the streets.  The so-called 2012 Cops Hiring Program would have provided 250-thousand dollars in federal funds hire two new officers.  The city would have to come up with a local match of 136-thousand dollars.  The funding would be available for three years with the city on the hook for all costs in the fourth year of employment.  Several council members questioned the wisdom of adding more city staff.   Police Chief John Packett says the additional officers would have focused on community policing as well as drug and alcohol education.