A City-County Council committee on Wednesday approved a proposal that would give the department the means to hire 20 new officers, 6News' Jack Rinehart reported.

While the move won't necessarily put more officers on the street, it will help the department maintain its current staffing level of 1,632 officers.

That will enable the department to exceed its commitment to qualify for $5 million in federal funds to pay the salaries of at least 50 officers.

The Department of Public Safety also has an eye on expanding the police reserve program, hiring more park rangers and partnering with retired business executives who could assist with white collar crime investigations.

The spending plan would also allow the department to keep its helicopter airborne for at least another year, using criminal forfeiture assets to fly special events and certain crimes in progress

"This keeps us whole, which is a good thing," said Public Safety Director Frank Straub. "When you look nationally at what police departments are doing about cutting police officers, status quo is huge."

Police leaders said the new recruit class would have at least 50 percent minority participation. Chief Paul Ciesielski will recommend a list of candidates.

The spending plan goes before the full council Monday.