Federal money may soon be used to put more police officers on the streets

Aldermen are considering using American Rescue Plan Act funds to help hire two police officers.

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – Some federal money could put more police on Starkville streets.

Aldermen are considering using American Rescue Plan Act funds to help hire two police officers.

Towns across the country are finding it increasingly difficult to find police applicants.

Those same cities must also watch their budget.

Starkville police say believe using this money is a win for everyone.

“To be able to add to our force at a time we in Starkville are experiencing some economic growth is critically important, because public safety and economic development go hand-in-hand,” said Chief Mark Ballard, Starkville Police. “And at the end of the day, that’s the purpose of ARPA is to make sure you can recover from a pandemic. So, we feel strongly about taking extra officers and placing them in neighborhoods of need.”

Congress passed the American Rescue Plan Act earlier this year.