The New York Police Department will be allowed to hire at least 128 new police officers using federal funding -- a move that will allow more senior officers to be promoted to anti-terror units.
The deal was brokered by Sen. Charles Schumer.
About 1,000 cops have been assigned to work exclusively on NYPD's elite "terrorism beat." Some cops have even trained, or been stationed, overseas.
The previous federal rules restricted NYPD to hiring new officers only for anti-terrorism. Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly argued it made more sense to hire rookies for regular duty and promote experienced officers to elite units.
Schumer says the NYPD will get millions in federal economic recovery funding. The exact figure hasn't been decided.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
