Rio Grande City, TX—Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) announces $317,244 in federal funds to hire three police officers for the Rio Grande City Police Department. These funds, awarded through the Department of Justice’s Community Oriented Policing Service (COPS) Hiring Program, will be used to bring in new officers that will increase man power and allow the Department to start new community-policing initiatives.

“I share our nation’s shock and outrage over the death of George Floyd. However, calls to defund our country’s police are impractical and dangerous. Our families, friends, and neighbors are safe because of our nation’s  law enforcement. Improving our policing system, not defunding or disassembling it, is the best way to prevent further tragedies from happening again,” said Congressman Cuellar. “That’s why I worked hard to help secure funding for the COPS program for our City. This critical investment will extend far beyond the creation of law enforcement jobs.  It will strengthen relationships between  officers and our community, improving public safety and keeping law enforcement officers on the beat.”

“As a senior Appropriator, I will continue to fund programs that create effective and professional federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. I want to thank Mayor Joel Villarreal, City Manager Alberto Perez, City Council, and Police Chief Noe Castillo for their dedication to making our city safer. I also want to thank the police men and women who put their lives on the line every day to protect us,” Congressman Cuellar added.   

“The Rio Grande City Police Department is very excited to have been chosen as one of the COPS 2020 Grant Recipients.  Our community, and agency will greatly benefit from the added personnel in fast growing community. COPS Grants have been a part of the Rio Grande City Police Department since the beginning, and will continue to be part of the next generation of an evolving police force. I want to thank Congressman Cuellar for all his support,” said Police Chief Noe Castillo

This funding will be used to provide the Department with the opportunity to start new community projects such as a Neighborhood Watch. These projects will better enhance the relationship between the police and the community.

As a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, Congressman Cuellar helped secure $235,000,000 for the COPS Hiring Program in the final spending bill. The COPS Hiring Program works to reduce crime and advance public safety through community policing by providing direct funding for the hiring of career law enforcement officers. In addition to providing financial support for hiring, the program provides funding to law enforcement to enhance local community policing strategies and tactics. Lastly, the COPS Hiring Program assists law enforcements ability to maintain sufficient sworn personnel levels to keep communities safe.