#6 Applly for funding through COPS Secure Our Schools Grant Program
POLICE DEPARTMENT MEMORANDUM
April 14, 2009
TO: City Council
FROM: Steven J. Kopp, Deputy Chief of Police
SUBJECT: COPS Secure Our Schools Grant Program
Executive Summary
The police department, in partnership with the School District of Janesville, is
eligible to apply for a grant to obtain equipment related to school safety and
security.
Staff Recommendation
Police administration recommends applying for the Secure Our Schools grant to
provide funding for the School District of Janesville to obtain two-way radios and
other school safety equipment and supplies.
City Manager Recommendation
I recommend approval. The matching funds are intended to be provided by the
School District.
Background
The COPS Secure Our Schools (SOS) grant provides funding to local
governments to assist with the development of school safety resources. This
funding allows recipients the opportunity to establish and enhance a variety of
school safety equipment and/or programs to encourage the continuation and
enhancement of school safety efforts within the community.
The SOS grant is two years in duration and provides a maximum federal share of
$500,000. Agencies are required to submit a local cash match of 50 percent
towards the total cost of the approved grant project during the grant award
period.
The police department has a strong partnership with the School District of
Janesville. This partnership provides officers in the five secondary schools, and
we jointly participate in a number of crime prevention and community outreach
activities. The police department assists the school district in the administration
of the Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools (REMS) grant which
has provided funding for planning activities, and the training of school staff and
community partners. As a result of a school safety survey conducted by
nationally-known experts, enhanced communication equipment has been
identified as a priority equipment item.
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The school district seeks funding for 120 two-way radios, as well as first aid and
other supplies to equip “Grab and Go” kits in each school building. The total
funding request for these items is $40,000, with $20,000 provided by the grant
and $20,000 by local match provided by the school district.
The police department must apply for the SOS grant. If awarded the grant, once
the funds are received the police department would purchase the requested
equipment items. The police department will then invoice the school district to
receive the 50 percent cash match.
With the exception of some staff time, there will be no additional budget costs to
the Janesville Police Department. Current staff will administer the grant,
including ordering the equipment, filing required reports, and communicating with
the business office at the school district.
cc: Eric Levitt, City Manager
Jacob J. Winzenz, Director of Administrative Services
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