PROVIDENCE, RI -- Today, U.S. Senator Jack Reed, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement on former Providence Police Chief Hugh Clements being named the head of the Department of Justice's (DOJ) Community Organized Policing Services (COPS) office in Washington, DC:

“It’s a superb choice.  Chief Clements is one of the most distinguished and experienced police chiefs in the country.  He’s done a remarkable job in Providence, and he is someone who exemplifies the best qualities of a police officer: honesty, decency, dedication to the law, and respect for the community.

“He started as a patrol officer in Providence and worked his way up. He knows every aspect of policing, and he will be a superb leader of the COPS program.

“I look forward to working with Chief Clements in this new role.  Federal COPS grants advance community policing resources by helping local cities and towns hire officers to meet their staffing needs.  They make a huge difference, and I know Chief Clements will make a positive difference leading the COPS office.”

Senator Reed helped include $324 million for COPS Hiring Grants in the fiscal year 2023 omnibus appropriations law, a $78 million increase over 2022.

Last year, $1.2 million in federal COPS funding was awarded locally to help the Central Falls Police Department add six more police officers to patrols and fill existing vacancies.