Congresswoman Lee Announces $1.875 Million to Create and Preserve 15 Law Enforcement Jobs
Oakland, CA – Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee announced a $1.875 million award from the US Department of Justice’s Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program for the City of Oakland.
“I am pleased to announce this vital federal funding, which will support 15 community-oriented law enforcement officers in our neighborhoods,” said Congresswoman Lee. “In light of local resource constraints and the challenge of building trust between law enforcement and communities, this federal grant will provide urgently-needed assistance to address public safety and rebuild trust between law enforcement and the communities who they serve.”
"Achieving our goals around safety and justice requires meaningful investment," said Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf. "This grant will enable us to continue the critical work of rebuilding community trust and making Oakland as safe as it deserves to be. I'm honored to work with Congresswoman Barbara Lee who also recognizes this need and is championing Oakland's ongoing efforts to affect lasting change with me "
As a member of the Appropriations and Budget Committees, Congresswoman Lee is an outspoken supporter of the COPS program and community-oriented policing strategies.
“Americans understand the need for comprehensive criminal justice reform, greater police force diversity and stronger community-oriented policing strategies,” said Congresswoman Lee. “Community-oriented policing strategies are essential to rebuilding the fractured trust between law enforcement and the neighborhoods where they serve.”
Congresswoman Lee has introduced H. Res. 262, which calls on Congress to commit adequate and vital resources for the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program. Additionally, the resolution calls for the Department of Justice to provide local law enforcement officials with best practices to recruit and retain a more diverse police force.
“Local law enforcement should reflect and understand the communities in which they serve. Increasing police force diversity is critical to making our communities safer for all,” added Congresswoman Lee.
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Congresswoman Lee is a member of the Appropriations and Budget Committees, the Steering and Policy Committee, is a Senior Democratic Whip, former chair of the Congressional Black Caucus and co-chair of the Progressive Caucus. She serves as chair of the Whip’s Task Force on Poverty and Opportunity.