Washington - U.S. Sens. Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) and Robert Menendez (D-NJ) today announced the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) has awarded New Jersey more than $1.2 million in federal funds to improve security in and around schools.

"Parents, students and teachers shouldn't have to worry about school safety. Schools need the resources to ensure safety throughout the day, and these funds give parents and teachers peace of mind and give our young people a chance to build their future," Sen. Lautenberg said.

Sen. Menendez said, "Parents should be able to send their kids to school with the confidence that they are focused on their education rather that their safety. There are few issues as important as the education of our children, and this funding will help keep our New Jersey schoolchildren as safe as possible while they learn."

This funding is part of the COPS Secure Our Schools Program, which provides schools with funds for security items such as metal detectors, locks and lighting. Funding can also be used for security training for students and teachers and coordination between schools and local law enforcement.

In total, 17 New Jersey communities will share $1,265,948 in funding from the Secure Our Schools program. The awards under this grant include:

  • $125,894 to Atlantic City;
  • $86,453 to the Belmar Police Department;
  • $38,450 to Deal;
  • $65,869 to Delran;
  • $30,298 to Galloway;
  • $23,579 to the Lodi Police Department;
  • $65,446 to Lyndhurst;
  • $43,850 to the Millville Police Bureau;
  • $52,100 to Neptune;
  • $24,179 to Point Pleasant Beach;
  • $13,219 to the Pompton Lakes Police Department;
  • $37,113 to the Rutherford Police Department;
  • $11,500 to the South Orange Police Department;
  • $180,000 to the South Plainfield Police Department;
  • $52,500 to the Stafford Police Department;
  • $280,304 to Brick; and
  • $135,194 to Union City.

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