The city of Reno has been awarded $450,000 in federal funds to hire six full-time community police officers.
At the same time, the North Las Vegas Police Department was awarded $1.8 million to fund 25 such positions.
The grants, awarded under the federal COPS Universal Hiring Program, will pay 75 percent of the salary and benefits of each new officer over three years. Local funds cover the rest.
In addition to traditional law enforcement duties, the new officers will engage in homeland security activities.
"Our state and local law enforcement partners in Nevada are indispensable in preventing and fighting crime, and protecting the community from potential acts of terrorism," said U.S. Attorney Daniel Bogden.
