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The department of public safety has received a $300,000 Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) grant to be distributed over the next three years by the U.S. Department of Justice. The grant will be used to hire four additional full-time officers.
COPS is a seven-year-old program started by President Bill Clinton. It represents a policing philosophy that encourages community involvement in public safety.
"We are excited because this is the first grant the department of public safety has received, and we are the first private institution to receive a federal COPS grant," said Jack Titone, director of public safety. "We hope to pave the way for other private, non-commissioned institutions to receive the grant."
Titone has first-hand experience with COPS initiatives, having worked with one program during his tenure with the St. Louis City Police Department.
The four new officers will be used for community-based problem-solving initiatives.
Two of the officers will be added to the department's bike patrol, bringing the total number of bike officers to eight.
"The bike patrol has been a very successful program that gives us an even quicker response to problems," Titone said.
The other two new officers will work with students, faculty and staff on making Saint Louis University a better and safer campus.
"These officers will meet with various organizations and residence halls to discuss problem-solving issues," Titone said. "One hundred and two officers can't do it all: This grant gives everyone a chance to get involved with the safety of this campus."
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