A federal grant from the Department of Justice will provide funding for the Bridgeport Police Department to hire 15 new police officers, officials say.

Bridgeport Police Chief AJ Perez tells News 12 Connecticut that the federal grant is for $1.9 million and the 15 new officers could begin on the force as early as March.

Perez says the funding will pay 50 percent of the officers’ salaries for the next three years.

News 12 is told the new officers are expected to play a role in reducing drug use and gun violence.

"It gives me the ability to safeguard and protect the good people of Bridgeport, and it keeps Mayor Ganim's promise on public safety alive,” says Perez.