The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office is applying for a federal grant to get funds for more officers.
The Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) grants are funded through the U.S. Department of Justice, and are meant to assist law enforcement agencies with staffing needs.
“We’ve taken advantage of them in the past to supplement and increase our sworn staffing – primarily with the argument that we’re a fast growing community and that we’re not able to keep up with the human resource that is needed to engage in and fulfill our community policing mission,” said Stafford Sheriff Charles Jett.
The county was awarded a COPS grant in 1999 and was able to hire 10 new officers.
According to Jett, applying for these grants has gotten very competitive.
“We’ve seen the amount of money dwindle, in regards to nationwide, the amount is available to grantees. We’ve also seen it become extremely competitive, as a number of law enforcement agencies laid off officers during the economically challenging times…for us, we’re making the case that we’ve already made before the board of supervisors and that’s that through our sheriff’s office staffing strategic plan, we were able to demonstrate that currently we are 30 field positions down,” said Jett.
The COPS funding allows for a 5% increase in sworn officers – which would be 8 positions for Stafford, according to Jett.
In total, Stafford County could receive up to $1 million, and there is a local matching responsibility that the Stafford County Board of Supervisors would have to agree to. The board gave Jett the approval to apply for the grant last month.
For Jett, this funding would allow the county to offer better response times and community outreach.
“It would enhance and increase service delivery. As we’re now showing that our response times are not where we want them to be on emergency calls – it’s also showing that our deputy currently has a minimal amount of proactive community policing time to engage in the community, in problem solving activities….it would [also] reduce the financial impact on the community,” Jett commented.
The winners of the COPS grants will be announced before the end of September.
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Art enthusiasts will have a chance to experience diverse creative works at the 74th Annual Fredericksburg Fine Arts Show & Sale, from March 14 to March 16 at the Dorothy Hart Community Center, 408 Canal Street, Fredericksburg.
Yard waste collection in Prince William County will resume in March and continue through December. Residents will receive weekly curbside pickup separate from trash and recycling.
Stafford deputies responded to a mass overdose where five people collapsed at a party, leading to a drug arrest. A wanted fugitive surrendered after an hour-long barricade, and a convenience store assault ended with a suspect trying to enter a police car before being arrested.In Prince William, police are searching for an armed robbery suspect who held up a 7-Eleven, while a reckless shooting targeted an SUV in Woodbridge. A string of burglaries hit multiple businesses in Gainesville.
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McClung-Logan Equipment Company is hosting its 40th Annual Oyster Roast, a signature customer appreciation event celebrating tradition, community, and generosity.
This year’s milestone celebration will take place on Thursday, March 6th, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Fredericksburg Agricultural Fairgrounds.
The first Oyster Roast began as a fundraiser in 1985, led by White Oak Equipment founder Frank McCarty, to raise donations for an employee battling cancer. This turned into a time-honored tradition for individuals facing hardship.
A Night on the Riviera
Experience a magical evening at the Embassy of France with A Night on the Riviera, an event that will transport you to the glamour of the French Riviera while celebrating the vibrant spirit of Mardi Gras!
Indulge in an exquisite selection of French wines and champagne, paired with the finest French cuisine prepared by the talented Chef of the Embassy of France. Additionally, Chef Hugh Cossard will be carving ham live, ensuring freshness and exceptional flavor. Don’t miss out on the authentic French crêpes, made to order and sure to transport you straight to the streets of Nice.
For those seeking an extra touch of exclusivity, the VIP experience includes unlimited champagne, adding an extra layer of sophistication to this festive celebration.
Environmental Film Festival: Turtle Walker
DC Premiere.
In the late 1970s, Satish Bhaskar embarked on an epic journey along India’s coastline and the spectacular Andaman and Nicobar Islands, where he uncovered the vital nesting beaches of sea turtles. During his death-defying quest, he unravels mysteries
