By Alabama Public Radio
Birmingham, AL – A new federal program is hoping to bring police officers and teachers to low and moderate-income neighborhoods. The federal Department of Housing and Urban Development is offering a 50 percent discount on homes in such areas. HUD's Officer-Teacher Next Door program began nationwide about two months ago. Federal officials say police officers and teachers are just now learning about it. Teachers who participate in the program are required to work in the district in which they live. Police officers are required to be full-time city employees.