ARRA Provides $78 Million to Fund Transit Security Officers

Washington, July 30 — The Transit Security Grant Program has awarded nearly $78 million in Recovery Act funding, which will allow for approximately 240 new law enforcement officers at 15 transit systems across the nation.

The funding for the grant program will not only allow for the hiring of new law enforcement officers, but will also help the police departments hire anti-terrorism personnel, purchase anti-terrorism equipment, and obtain and train explosive detection canines. Almost half of the funding, or $35.9 million, will go to the New York Police Department through the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority. The funding dedicated to New York City is expected to be used to hire approximately 125 officers.