The three cops threatened with loss of their jobs are likely to stay on the force for a couple months longer. But their longer-range employment with the force is still in doubt.

Earlier this week, Maplewood officials filed for a Department of Justice JAG grant that would give the township enough money to keep the officers on the force through July 1. Feelings are strong that the application will be approved—several town officials indicated the money was close to a sure thing.  

What remains to be seen is whether the Township will receive money from the Federal stimulus package. A provision in the $787 billion economic aid act includes a $1 billion Hiring Recovery Program for police officers. If the township gets money from the program, Maplewood would be able to keep the three officers on the force for three years. The township would be obligated to pay to keep the officers on the force for another year after that.

Municipalities nationwide have applied for the grant. Applications are due in mid-April.

“We’re the last fish in the barrel, and everybody’s going for the same piece of bait,” Maplewood Mayor Vic De Luca told Patch.

Jim Ryan, spokesman for the New Jersey Policeman’s Benevolent Association, said that while the stimulus bill was passed and that money had been designated to different programs, cities and towns are currently in a rush to vie for where they money is going to go.

“Maplewood is competing against Los Angeles and New York City,” Ryan said.

Maplewood Police Captain Paul Conlon said the force is currently working on the application, and hope to have it completed by early next week.

“It’s a competitive grant process. But it’s a $1 billion grant,” Conlon said.

De Luca said Township Officials recently met with Congressman Donald Payne about the Township’s need for the money. De Luca was hopeful the grant would come in, but said there are currently no indicators of whether it would.

“The stimulus money? You could call it the secretive money,” he said.