Rep. Aguilar Announces $625,000 for San Bernardino Police Department to Hire New Officers, Expand Community Policing Resources

Today, Rep. Pete Aguilar announced a $625,000 grant award for the San Bernardino Police Department (SBPD) to hire five new law enforcement officers and support their community policing capacity and crime-prevention efforts.

"This funding will put more officers on the beat to help address crime and give our residents peace of mind," said Rep. Pete Aguilar. "Investing in programs that strengthen the partnership between San Bernardino residents and law enforcement makes our community safer and stronger. This grant will support SBPD's efforts to enhance their community policing capacity and restore public confidence in the safety of our city."

"The COPS Hiring Program (CHP) Grant will provide five more officers dedicated to continuing the excellent service that has led to a year-over-year reduction in violent crime and a 66% reduction in homicides since 2022," said Darren Goodman, Chief of Police, San Bernardino Police Department.

"The $625,000 COPS Hiring Program will allow the City of San Bernardino to increase our police staffing, create a safer environment for our residents and businesses, and build trust within the community," said San Bernardino Mayor Helen Tran. "We are deeply grateful for this investment in our city's future and remain committed to fostering a strong and secure San Bernardino."

The funding comes as part of the U.S. Department of Justice's Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Hiring Program (CHP) under the Biden-Harris Administration's Safer America Plan. It includes a $157 million investment in the COPS Hiring Program (CHP) to create effective and accountable community policing initiatives in 235 law enforcement agencies throughout the country. The COPS Hiring Award will allow the San Bernardino Police Department to hire five new officers for the Patrol Division, enhancing their ability to respond to violent and gun-related crimes. Additionally, the funding will also support the Quality-of-Life Team, which addresses homelessness, and the Community Outreach and Support Team (COAST), which assists residents experiencing mental health issues.

Rep. Aguilar serves as Chair of the House Democratic Caucus and as a member of the House Committee on Appropriations.