WASHINGTON (AP) - D.C. Councilmember Tommy Wells says the Council has approved a funding request to hire 50 new police officers.

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Wells, the chairman of the council's judiciary and public safety committee, said Friday he's glad his fellow councilmembers agree on the importance of hiring additional patrol officers.

The 50 officers provided for under the funding represent half the number sought by Police Chief Cathy Lanier.

The council in December voted to defeat a measure that would have allowed the police department to add 100 officers. Wells says he'll now urge his colleagues to support the hiring of an additional 50 officers.