The U.S. Department of Justice has announced $111 million in Community Oriented Policing Services grants to communities across the country.

Eight Michigan cities received nearly $3 million.

The grants can be used to hire new officers, rehire laid off officers, or rehire officers scheduled to be laid-off.

Arnold Weinfeld is Director of Strategic Initiatives and Federal Affairs for the Michigan Municipal League. He can be reached at 517-908-0304 or by e-mail