Civilian Crossing Guard Hiring Program

The Recovery Act Edward Byrne Memorial Competitive Grant Program (Byrne Competitive Program) will help communities improve the capacity of state and local justice systems and provide for national support efforts including training and technical assistance programs strategically targeted to address local needs. This competitive grant announcement focuses on initiatives in eight areas: 1) preventing and reducing violent crime through community-based data-driven approaches; 2) providing funding for neighborhood-based probation and parole officers; 3) reducing mortgage fraud and crime related to vacant properties; 4) hiring of civilian support personnel in law enforcement (training staff, analysts, dispatchers, etc.); 5) enhancing forensic and crime scene investigations; 6) improving resources and services for victims of crime; 7) supporting problem-solving courts; and 8) national training and technical assistance partnerships.

Under category 4, the Liberty Village Police Department will use the grant award to hire civilian law enforcement personnel. The goal of this project is to reestablish the local school's crossing guard program. Due to budgetary constraints, the Village of Liberty had to eliminate the three civilian crossing guard positions, which have been replaced by police officers. On average only two police officers are on patrol during any given day; therefore, one crossing has been unmanned for some time now. While officers are on these school-crossing posts, they are unable to execute their other duties. To accomplish the goals the Liberty Village Police Department has set, the department will hire three civilian crossing guards and reestablish the program, relieving the officers who are currently doing the job. The remaining budget will go towards the supplies needed to be crossing guards, including vests and stop signs.

CA/NCF