Chief Hurtt Response to COPS Grant

July 29, 2009 - “It’s good to know that the Houston Police Department has not been denied the COPS grant for additional officers, and that our request is still under consideration should additional funds become available.

“Houston is a major city in a border state with trans-national and local gangs as well as a significant number of undocumented immigrants with criminal histories. 

“Homeland Security ranks Houston as one of seven Tier One cities with the highest risk of terrorist attack.

“The Houston Police Department currently participates with 25 different multi-agency task forces (federal, state and local) to reduce crime in the city.

“In the future, it is our hope that the Justice Department will seek input from state and local agencies, as well as their federal law enforcement partners, to establish criteria for COPS grants.”

For additional information, please contact the HPD Public Affairs Division at 713-308-3200 .