WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) today announced $14.7 million in grants to 187 local law enforcement agencies to enhance school safety in 43 states. The grants were awarded under COPS Secure Our Schools program, which supports local efforts to improve security at schools and on school grounds.

The Secure Our Schools program will provide up to 50 percent of the total cost for communities to install metal detectors, locks, lighting and other equipment to help deter and prevent crime. The grants can also be used to pay half of the cost of security assessments, security training and any other measure that will provide a significant improvement in security.

“Creating the safest schools possible is a priority shared by the law enforcement community, educators and the public,” said COPS Director Carl R. Peed. “Today’s grants will enable local law enforcement agencies and school districts to implement much needed safety enhancements. We are pleased to assist with local school safety initiatives.”

Secure Our Schools is one of several COPS initiatives to enhance school safety. COPS has provided greater than $740 million to law enforcement agencies to hire more than 6,400 school resource officers. Additionally, COPS funds school safety training and offers a School Safety Package that includes several school safety and youth victimization resources. The School Safety Package can be obtained free of charge by contacting COPS Response Center at 800-421-6770 or askcopsrc@usdoj.gov.

For additional information about COPS Secure Our Schools program, or to obtain a list of law enforcement agencies that received grants, visit the COPS Web site at www.cops.usdoj.gov.

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