Virginia Awards $1.2 Million in Grants For School Security Staff

Virginia Awards $1.2 Million in Grants For School Security Staff

The Virginia state government has allotted the money to 33 mostly rural municipalities throughout Virginia, to fund the hiring of security staff.

  • By Jordan Lutke
  • September 28, 2018

Governor Ralph Northam of Virginia announced that $1.22 million in grants have been awarded to localities throughout Virginia, to enable these mostly rural schools to fund school resource officers (SRO) and school securities officers.

“Providing a healthy and safe learning environment in each of our schools is critical to the success of every student in the Commonwealth, no matter who they are or where they live,” said Governor Northam. “I am pleased to see school divisions continuing to partner together to increase safety and enhance school climates.”

The funding came from state-funded School Research Officer/School Security Officer Incentive Grant Program grants. $1.3 million was appropriated to the program for the 2019 fiscal year.

As recipients of the grant, SROs and SSOs will be required to attend a four and a half day training session for the roles and responsibilities of their position. The topics include legal issues, adolescent brain development, trauma, mental health, and handling students with disabilities.

“The value of SROs and SSOs has been lauded by school and law enforcement professionals across the Commonwealth time and time again,” said Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security Brian Moran. “We know SROs are integral to maintaining safer environments for our students to learn. They also serve as mentors and educators that foster positive relationships between law enforcement and our youth.”

Information on which localities are receiving the funds is available on the DCJS website, hosted on Virginia.gov.

About the Author

Jordan Lutke is an intern with 1105 Media.

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