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Security Industry Association, 635 Slaters Lane, Suite 110, Alexandria, VA 22314-1108Tel: 703.683.2075 . Fax: 703.683.2469 . www.siaonline.org
For more information, please contact:
Don EricksonDirector of Government [email protected]
ENSURE FULL FUNDING FOR THE SECURE OUR SCHOOLS GRANT PROGRAM
In 2000, Congress passed legislation authored by Reps. Steve Rothman (D-NJ) and Henry Hyde (R-IL), establishing the Secure Our Schools grant program. This program provides a critical source of funding for law enforcement agencies and collaborating schools to strengthen security in and around K-12 facilities.
Administered by the Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, the Secure our Schools program provides up to 50 percent of the total cost of metal detectors, locks, lighting, and equipment needed to deter criminal activity. Funds can also be used for security assessments, training, and other security improvements.
Notably, the Secure Our Schools program does not impose a “one-size-fits-all” spending requirement upon grant recipients. Law enforcement agencies and schools are encouraged to use the funds to meet their unique security needs. According to Rothman, “One of the best aspects of the Secure Our Schools program is the flexibility it offers by allowing each grant recipient—a law enforcement agency part-nered with a school district—to decide for itself whether to participate in the program.”
To date, $65 million in federal grant funds have been allocated to more than 750 law enforcement agencies, who partnered with more than 2,400 schools nationwide, for security and school safety investments.
Although Congress annually authorizes $30 million, the Secure Our Schools program is typically under-appropriated. In FY 2008, the program
received $15 million and the Bush Administration did not request any funding in FY2009.
The Security Industry Association (SIA) worked closely with Rep. Rothman to secure the support of nearly 30 House colleagues in recommending that the House Appropriations Committee fully fund the 2009 Secure our Schools program at $30 million.
In 2007, Rothman introduced (H.R. 2353), the “School Safety Enhancements Act.” The legislation passed the House in September 2008. It reauthorizes and strengthens the Secure Our Schools program. The bill increases the authorization level from $30 to $50 million annually and increases the federal match component to 80 percent.
The Senate Judiciary Committee passed a modified version of H.R. 2352 as part of S. 2084, the “School Safety and Law Enforcement Improvement Act of 2007.” Unfortunately, the Senate-passed version upholds the current 50 percent match requirement for the program.
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