Flanked by Vice President Joe Biden, left, and Attorney General Eric Holder, right, President Barack Obama makes remarks in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, Tuesday, May 12, 2009, at a ceremony honoring the National Association of Police Organization's Top Cops award winners. (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds)

WASHINGTON (AP) - President Barack Obama says police officers deserve respect and support because as the economy worsens, crime rises.

Obama said Tuesday that the nation's economic recovery depends on police because neighborhoods with crime don't grow or add jobs. He says the job of every American depends on police keeping communities safe.

He also says his economic stimulus plan is sending billions of federal tax dollars to states and cities to pay police salaries and buy equipment.

Vice President Joe Biden told police officers that their sacrifice and service do not go unnoticed.

Obama, Biden and Attorney General Eric Holder welcomed the nation's top police officers to the Rose Garden as part of the National Association of Police Organizations' annual awards.