It's a pittance, really, considering the vast sums squandered by the federal government, but, hey, waste is waste:
The U.S. Justice Department is giving $1.3 million to six Indiana towns and cities to hire new police officers.
Vice President Joe Biden says the money will be used to find work for returning military veterans. The COPS Grants announced Monday are part of a national effort to spend $111 million hiring or retaining roughly 800 officers.
Indiana's money will pay for one officer each in: Galveston, Kendallville, Lake Station, Scottsburg, St. John and Whiting. The money will cover the salary and benefits of each officer for three years.
Why should the federal government pay any money for what should be a local concern? Each community knows its own crime-fighting needs and should hire the number of officers to get the job done. It's not the responsibility of people living in Iowa or Nebraska or, um, Fort Wayne, Ind., to pay for an extra cop in Kendallville.
Cities that take this money are being very short-sighted. They're increasing their dependence on Washington without much in return. After the three years are over, they'll have to start paying the salary on their own if they want to keep the extra badge.
