Federal funds are now available to improve security at schools.
The School Violence Prevention Program is part of the Department of Justice that funds the grants. It was created by the bi-partisan Securing Our Schools Act, sponsored by Southern Illinois Congressman Mike Bost and signed into law in March.
Speaking on the House floor in March, the Murphysboro republican said, as a former first responder, he understands how critical response time is during an emergency.
"This bill makes it much easier for schools to increase their security and provide life-saving technology to contact first responders immediately when violence or any other emergency occurs."
The 2018 School Violence Prevention Program provides funding for such things as training for local law enforcement officers, the placement of metal detectors, locks and lighting as well as the acquisition and installation of technology to speed up the notification of local law enforcement during an emergency.
Grant applications are due by July 30th. For more information, visit cops.usdoj.gov.
