Following the notification from the U.S. Department of Justice, Rep. Valadao stated, “Our law enforcement officers have dedicated their lives enforcing our laws, preventing crimes, and arresting those who commit crimes. They are responsible for keeping our families and communities safe.” He continued, “In Congress, I have fought to ensure our law enforcement agencies have the tools needed to address the unique problems our communities face on a daily basis."

The Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office), which oversees the (COPS) Hiring Program (CHP), is the component of the U.S. Department of Justice responsible for advancing the practice of community policing by the nation's law enforcement agencies through information and grant resources.

"The grant provides federal funding to support the hiring of one sworn police officer to expand and enhance the city’s community policing and crime prevention efforts,” said Lemoore Police Chief Darrell Smith. "For a department of our size, the award is significant and impactful. The additional officer will help expand the Department’s efforts to engage with the community in problem-solving strategies that are at the core of crime prevention focus of the Department."

The COPS Hiring Program (CHP) aims to advance public safety through community policing by addressing the full-time sworn officer needs of local enforcement agencies. CHP will provide funds directly to the City of Lemoore to hire new law enforcement officers, increase their community policing capacity, and strengthen crime prevention efforts.