The U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, has announced funding awards to six law enforcement agencies in Kansas.

The grants are aimed at creating, and in some cases protecting law enforcement positions.

Kansas State University will receive $125,000 through the program.

Other grants include $114,971 to the Bel Aire Police Department, $95,645 Cherryvale Police Department, Derby PD, $125,000, the City of Iola $119,139, and the Osawatomie Department of Public Safety, $125,000.

“Our goal is to improve public safety and help strengthen relationships between the officers and the communities they serve,” said U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom.

The COPS Hiring Program offers grants to state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies to hire or rehire community policing officers. The program provides salaries and benefits for officer and deputy hires for three years.