Toledo leaders apply for federal grant to hire police officers
3/16/2009The city of Toledo submitted its application for the "Cops Hiring Grant" Monday in hopes of a $34 million bailout to pay for 150 officers.
The money would prevent the layoff of 75 officers announced Friday and also pay for 75 additional police officers.
Toledo Mayor Carty Finkbeiner and Police Chief Mike Navarre held a press conference in the early evening to announce they filed for the federal bailout dollars and are optimistic they'll receive it.
"It's not a first-come, first-served, but we did get ours in on the first day," Chief Navarre said.
In what is expected to be a competitive process, police departments across the country can ask for dollars until April 14.
Chief Navarre expects to hear news about what Toledo might receive in May.
Toledo's unemployment, foreclosure, and crime rates will make it a competitor for the dollars, the chief said.