Michigan Schools Get Grant from Police to Improve Access Control

Michigan Schools Get Grant from Police to Improve Access Control

Schools in Michigan to increase school security with nearly $350,000 in Michigan State Police grant funds

  • By Sydny Shepard
  • November 27, 2018

The Michigan State Police has announced the recipients of more than $25 million from the Competitive School Safety Grant Program. Winners of the funds include Howell Public Schools and Brighton Area Schools who expect to use the money to increase access control on campus.

"We are very thankful to receive grant funding from the state police," Howell Public Relations Director Tom Gould said. "We were one of the highest received districts for program one"

Program one required no matching funds and Howell will receive $244,915. The majority of the money will be used to update a nearly 20-year-old access system. Currently, all staff members swipe a card to access buildings. 

Gould explains that while buildings are currently locked down with a buzzer system, the new system will provide a back-up system that ensures staff are alerted if a door is left open and doors can be automatically locked from a remote location.

The school is also looking into implementing a visitor management system that will scan all visitor's identification cards and alert staff of any issues. 

Another area school, Brighton, will be receiving $98,948 and Superintendent Greg Gray said they have already decided what they will be intending to spend the grant money on: exterior product fortification. 

Grey explains that three quarters of the grant money will go to hardening the exterior of the buildings to potential threats. 

Over $69 million in requests were included in 407 applications submitted. Grant applications were reviewed by a committee that included representatives from the MSP, Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police, Michigan Sheriffs’ Association, Michigan Department of Education, Michigan Association of Non-Public Schools, school security personnel and the Executive Office of the Governor.

“The Competitive School Safety Grant Program will provide the resources needed by many schools throughout our state to ensure students have a safe learning environment,” MSP Director Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue said. “The review committee gave priority to proposals that sought to secure access points at school buildings, as it is considered one of the best and most cost-effective ways to improve school safety and security.”

About the Author

Sydny Shepard is the Executive Editor of Campus Security & Life Safety.

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