The Richmond Times-Dispatch reported on some news that will help to strengthen Virginia communities and keep city streets safe. Several Virginia Police Departments are receiving federal stimulus funds to support their staff.

"Petersburg, Hopewell, and the Richmond Redevelopment & Housing Authority will benefit from more than $5.1 million in federal stimulus funds to hire and retain police officers in Virginia.

The government announced grants today of:

• $814,800 to the Petersburg Bureau of Police, or enough to pay the salary and benefits of five officers for three years;
• $490,560 to the Hopewell Bureau of Police, for three officers;
• $166,505 to the RRHA Police for one officer; and
• More than $3.6 million to police departments in Norfolk, Roanoke, Winchester, Manassas, and Emporia, for 22 officers."

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