WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley announced Sept. 6 that the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services has awarded $420,097 to six Iowa communities to help improve security in Iowa schools. The funding comes through the Secure Our Schools Program.
The communities receiving funding are Des Moines, Mason City, Oskaloosa, Perry, Sergeant Bluff and Waterloo. The grants will provide up to half of the costs associated with installing metal detectors, locks, lighting, and other equipment to help deter crime in the schools, as well as to help conduct security assessments and security training in the municipal school district.
“It is important that our teachers and students concentrate on academics rather than worry about their safety while in school,” Grassley said. “These funds will provide local law enforcement with the equipment necessary to help prevent crime in our schools and to keep our children safe.”
Secure Our Schools is one of several Community Oriented Policing Services initiatives to enhance school safety. According to the Department of Justice, since 1995 Community Oriented Policing Services has invested more than $12.4 billion to advance community policing, on providing training and technical assistance, and on hiring local law enforcement officers.
Below is the allocation of funds:
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Sen. Chuck Grassley press release
