The Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Office has available funding under the COPS Secure Our Schools (SOS) 2011 grant program. Subject to final funding availability, approximately $14 million will be available under SOS to provide funding to law enforcement agencies to assist with the development of school safety resources and provide improved security at schools and on school grounds.

Specifically, this program will fund up to 50 percent of the total cost to implement one or more of the following options: placement and use of metal detectors, locks, lighting and other deterrent measures; security assessments; anti-violence initiatives; security training of personnel and students; coordination with local law enforcement; and/or any other measure that may provide a significant improvement in security. Applicants will be required to demonstrate a comprehensive approach to preventing school violence.

Applications will be accepted starting April 29, and there will be two application deadlines for the program during the six-week solicitation period. The first application deadline for priority consideration will be May 25 while the final deadline for all applications will be June 8.

Applications for this program must be submitted in two parts, both of which are required. First, applicants must apply online at www.Grants.gov to complete the SF-424. After the successful submission and acceptance of the SF-424, applicants will then be directed to the COPS Office website, www.cops.usdoj.gov, to complete the second part of the application by the program deadline.

All local and state enforcement agencies that have primary law enforcement authority within a partner primary or secondary school are eligible to apply. An agency with primary law enforcement authority is defined as the first responder to calls for service for all types of criminal incidents within the schools targeted. Primary and secondary schools are defined as kindergarten through 12th grade.

As noted above, there is a 50 percent local cash-match requirement under this grant program. The application process will be competitive, and as such it is recommended that interested law enforcement agencies use this time prior to the solicitation period to contact and develop partnerships with area schools with a need to enhance school safety and security. All awards are subject to the availability of funds.

For more information on the program, contact the COPS Office Response Center toll-free at (800) 421-6770 or go to www.cops.usdoj.gov.