Police seeking record US aid to avoid layoffs (AP)

AP – FILE - In this March 6, 2009 file photo, President Barack Obama greets officers at the Columbus Police … By DEVLIN BARRETT, Associated Press Writer Devlin Barrett, Associated Press Writer – 8 mins ago WASHINGTON – The nation's police departments are clamoring for an unprecedented amount of federal aid to forestall big local tax hikes or the possible layoff of nearly 40,000 police officers — enough to staff the entire New York City Police Department. When President Barack Obama signed the huge economic stimulus bill earlier this year, $1 billion was set aside to help local and state police avoid layoffs or keep their police academy classes intact. The response has been staggering: Departments applied for more than $8.3 billion in aid, meaning only a fraction of the demand can actually be met. July will be a nervous month... [read full story]                    

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