Craig Supports West St. Paul PD Grant Application

WEST ST. PAUL, MN — Angie Craig announced her support of the West St. Paul Police Department applying for a grant for the COPS Hiring Program.

The grant program gives funding to law enforcement agencies to hire officers, Craig said.

“Being involved in our communities and building positive, personal relationships across West St. Paul remains a top priority for our department,” West. St Paul Police Chief Brian Sturgeon said. “The additional resources from the COPS Hiring Program will allow us to increase our community policing initiatives, increasing meaningful interactions with the public and reduce crime rates in our neighborhoods. We appreciate Representative Craig’s support of our effort to secure these important funds.”

Craig said that she wrote a letter to the Acting Director of the Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services in support of the West St. Paul Police Department.

“Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the West St. Paul Police Department and its officers dedicated a great deal of time to outreach efforts," Craig wrote. "In 2019 alone, the department conducted over 200 outreach events with thousands in attendance. Due to the pandemic and staffing changes, the department hasn’t been able to dedicate the same amount of time to these endeavors. This opportunity would allow the West St. Paul Police Department to enhance trust and legitimacy through community policing initiatives, including community outreach.”