CAMDEN — Camden officials say they're using a $4.3 million federal grant to rehire 19 police officers. The southern New Jersey city, which ranks among the nation's poorest and most crime-ridden, laid off 167 officers — nearly half the force — in January as it struggled with a budget crisis. The city was able to hire back 55 officers...
CAMDEN — Camden officials say they're using a $4.3 million federal grant to rehire 19 police officers.
The southern New Jersey city, which ranks among the nation's poorest and most crime-ridden, laid off 167 officers — nearly half the force — in January as it struggled with a budget crisis.
The city was able to hire back 55 officers a month ago under a deal with Gov. Chris Christie's administration that provided $2.5 million in state funding to keep them on the payroll through July 1. Mayor Dana Redd has said she expects they will be retained under the new city budget that takes effect on that date.
The 19 additional officers were sworn in Monday.
The city received the funding through a U.S. Justice Department COPS Hiring Program grant.
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