August 6th, 2023 by WCBC Radio

Governor Wes Moore today announced $6.3 million in funding to protect against hate crimes and to enhance local police recruitment and retention efforts through the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention, Youth, and Victim Services. The Protecting Against Hate Crimes program provides $5 million to nonprofit organizations, including faith-based organizations, with facilities and membership that can be targeted for a hate crime to provide security enhancements. Funding supports equipment, personnel, and physical security enhancements. The Police Recruitment and Retention grant provides $1.3 million to support local law enforcement agencies to support their efforts to recruit and retain qualified sworn police officers. The funding may be used for hiring bonuses, retention incentives, tuition reimbursement and health incentives.