FARGO (AP) - Police chiefs say cuts proposed in federal grants would make it hard for them to do their jobs.

They spoke at a U.S. Senate committee hearing chaired by Sen. Kent Conrad.

One program known as the Byrne Justice Assistance Grant has drawn allegations of abuse. The administration has said crime is down and the money is needed elsewhere.

Conrad said the Bush administration proposes big cuts in grants to Homeland Security emergency responders and firefighters.

West Fargo Police Chief Arland Rasmussen said some of the proposed cuts would cripple efforts to fight organized crime and sex offenders. He said one program helped get convictions for 22 sex offenders.

Conrad said the federal COPS program paid for 100,000 police officers around the country, including more than 270 in North Dakota.