Newton, Kansas Public School Safety and Security Project

The Edward Byrne Memorial Discretionary Grants Program (Byrne Discretionary Program) helps local communities improve the capacity of local justice systems and provides for national support efforts. This project is authorized and funded through a line item in the FY 08 Congressional Budget. Funds should be used for purposes recommended by Congress.

The Newton Kansas Public School District will strengthen emergency response team collaboration, technology, and training. They will respond to a current lack of safety resources and antiquated emergency response technology that results in an inability to communicate expeditiously within the district and with emergency responders on a secure and private frequency. They will also address threats to school and student safety posed by gangs and increased vandalism. The Newton Kansas Public School District will: 1)establish an immediate and secure radio frequency for emergency responders and school administrators; 2) provide effective and user-friendly communication devices from buildings and district administrators compatible to emergency responders; 3) install effective, reliable surveillance equipment at strategic locations inside and outside school facilities; 4) provide staff training in maximizing use of surveillance output data; 5) provide gang awareness education; 6) implement safety and security response protocols; and 7) expand the School Resource Officers program to elementary schools.

NCA/NCF