by KYW's Tony Hanson
Philadelphia is getting some state help to put more police officers on the street.
Governor Ed Rendell (right) says his budget, to be unveiled on Tuesday, includes money for 100 additional officers in the city -- on top of the 100 hired last year.
Philadelphia police commissioner Charles Ramsey (above), who disclosed his crime strategy last week (see related story), has welcomed the help. He says he'll put the officers where he believes they are needed most:
"We started off last week by talking about 200 additional officers on the street. I can tell you now the hundred we will get as a result of this will be going on the street as well."
If this money funds a recruit class, it will take at least nine months to get the new officers on the streets. But the city is hoping to get soon-to-retire or recently retired officers to work another year at least.
The state budget must be approved before the additional funding for the city becomes a reality.
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