“[This] announcement recognizes that the Houston Police Department (HPD) is a leader in community policing,” said Mayor Parker. “We will spend these dollars wisely, continuing the strict fiscal stewardship that has kept Houston from having to follow other major cities in furloughing or laying off police during these tough economic times.”

"I am excited to receive grant funds from the Department of Justice to hire 50 additional police officers," said Houston Police Chief Charles McClelland. "This grant shows the cooperative relationship we have with our federal law enforcement partners. This will be a great benefit to the citizens of Houston and the men and women of the Houston Police Department."

HPD is one of 379 police and sheriff’s departments in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico awarded funding. Houston is the only major Texas city to receive funding this time and one of only five cities receiving funding for 50 officers, the maximum allowed.