LAS VEGAS (AP) — Federal authorities are awarding more than $2 million in grants to police and sheriffs in two Nevada communities to recruit new officers.

U.S. Attorney Daniel Bogden announced Tuesday that the Elko County Sheriff's Department will receive $375,000 to hire three deputies, and the Elko Police Department is getting $125,000 to hire one officer. COPS grants fund positions for three years. Officials say grant awards are based on need, local crime rates and community policing plans.

North Las Vegas will receive $1.6 million from the Justice Department's Office of Community Oriented Policing Services to hire 13 police officers. U.S. Sen. Harry Reid and Democratic Congressman Steven Horsford were scheduled to join North Las Vegas Mayor John Lee at a Wednesday ceremony to mark the award of the grant. Bogden says

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