THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, February 4, 1996 TAG: 9602020172
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 22 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: STAFF REPORT
LENGTH: Short : 32 lines
The Chesapeake Police Department soon will get a grant of nearly $511,000 from the U.S. Justice Department to hire seven new full-time officers.
Police Department spokeswoman Elizabeth N. Jones said it was unclear when the officers would be hired.
Jones said the officers would be assigned to the new Chesapeake Community Policing Unit, a special detachment that works out of the Second Precinct in South Norfolk. The officers of that unit employ special techniques, such as patrolling on foot or on bikes, getting to know residents and learning their concerns about crime.
The idea is that by being more visible and familiar with neighborhoods, police officers can help communities prevent or clean up crime.
Chesapeake's Community Policing Unit got started in June with seven officers, also funded by a Justice Department grant, Jones said. The new officers will bring the total for the unit to 14.
Federal money to pay the officers' salaries and benefits will continue for three years, gradually decreasing each year, Jones said. After that, the city will have to assume the full cost, she said.
KEYWORDS: CHESAPEAKE POLICE DEPARTMENT GRANT by CNB