Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost unveiled a significant initiative today, earmarking $4 million in grant funding for local school districts. The funds are designated to empower schools with cutting-edge technology that establishes a direct connection to law enforcement agencies, with a primary focus on enhancing crisis response and crime prevention measures.
Yost emphasized the critical role this technology plays in maintaining school safety. He stated, “When a crisis is unfolding, school administrators need tools that can quickly inform law enforcement of potential threats. This grant will equip our school buildings with tools that reduce response times when minutes matter the most.”
This distinctive grant program is an expansion of a successful pilot project initiated last year. It is tailored to support school districts in acquiring crisis-response technology, primarily intended to alert law enforcement authorities about potential security breaches occurring on school premises.
Some of the features that the grant could cover include:
- Immediate Camera Access: Providing real-time camera access for law enforcement to swiftly assess situations.
- Silent Panic Alarms: Enabling discreet alarm systems for quick response to emergencies.
- Gunshot Detection Technology: Implementing technology capable of identifying gunshots within school premises.
- License Plate Reader Alerts: Alerting authorities when vehicles linked to registered sex offenders enter school property.
- Alert Systems for Dangerous Individuals: Utilizing notification systems to identify and address threats from wanted individuals.
School districts are invited to apply for grants of up to $30,000, which can be utilized for a single building or multiple structures. Additionally, schools that participated in the pilot program are strongly encouraged to reapply.
This strategic initiative is a significant step forward in ensuring the safety and security of Ohio’s educational institutions, as school districts embrace advanced technology to bolster their crisis response capabilities and prevent potential threats.
Grant applications will be accepted from Oct. 1 through Nov. 30, 2023, via the Ohio Grants Portal. Submission date will be a factor in the evaluation of grant applications. Grant award recipients will be notified in January 2024, with grant payment projected for early 2024
Questions should be sent to Officer [email protected]
