GOVERNOR KAINE ANNOUNCES $1.3 MILLION IN GRANTS TO IMPROVE SCHOOL SAFETY IN VIRGINIA
- 21 localities receive 28 grants to fund school resource officers

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

May 26, 2009

Contact:                 Gordon Hickey                                                       
Phone:                   (804) 225-4260                                                                   
Cell Phone:           (804) 291-8977
Internet:                www.governor.virginia.gov                                               

Tim Paul/DCJS
(804) 786-2407
http://www.dcjs.virginia.gov/grants


RICHMOND—Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced that grants worth more than $1.3 million have been awarded to support programs to improve school safety throughout the Commonwealth. Twenty one localities were chosen to receive a total of 28 grants to fund school resource officers.

            “These grants demonstrate Virginia’s commitment to providing safe schools where students can learn and teachers can teach,” Governor Kaine said.  “When students succeed, the entire community succeeds.” 

The Criminal Justice Services Board (CJSB) approved 28 School Resource Officer (SRO) grants. The SRO program provides law enforcement officers in middle, high and alternative schools to ensure safety and prevent truancy and violence. SRO duties include three main functions in the school: law enforcement, law-related counselor, and law-related educator. As a law-related counselor, the SRO serves as a liaison between school officials, parents, and the law enforcement community. As a law-related educator, the SRO teaches courses such as safe driving, alcohol and drug awareness, gang prevention awareness, and other safety and law enforcement subjects.

Support for the SRO grants is provided by funds appropriated by the General Assembly.  Localities are required to make available matching funds.

            For more information regarding grant opportunities with DCJS, go to http://www.dcjs.virginia.gov/grants.