AUGUSTA (AP) — Four Maine police departments are getting $650,000 in federal grants to hire new officers.

Republican Sen. Susan Collins and Independent Sen. Angus King said the grants are being awarded through the COPS Hiring Program, which helps boost staff at local law enforcement agencies.

The city of Auburn is getting $250,000 to fund two police officers. The town of Hampden will receive $125,000, the Mexico Police Department will receive $156,071 and the Topsham Police Department will receive $125,000 to fund one officer.

Departments can use the grants to pay for 75 percent of approved salary and benefits for entry level officers over three years or to rehire officers who have been laid off.

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