Rapid Response to School Violence Project

The Congressionally Recommended Awards Program, authorized by the Department of Justice Appropriations Act, 2010 (Pub. L. 111-117), helps improve the functioning of the criminal justice system, prevent or combat juvenile delinquency, and/or assist victims of crime (other than compensation). Funds should be used for the projects recommended by Congress, in the amounts specified in the joint explanatory statement incorporated by reference into Pub. L. 111-117, and generally consistent with one or more of the following statutory purposes: improving the functioning of the criminal justice system, preventing or combating juvenile delinquency, or assisting victims of crime (other than compensation). Each of these purposes is framed using language drawn, respectively, from the former Byrne discretionary statute, the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, the Victims of Crime Act, and the Violence Against Women Act. This project is authorized and funded through a line item in the FY 2010 Congressional Budget and by the joint explanatory statement that is incorporated by reference into the FY2010 Department of Justice Appropriations Act.

The Village of Hanover Park, Hanover Park Police Department will use funds for training and equipment to enhance the police department's rapid response to school violence and its school familiarization program. The principles learned during the rapid deployment training will focus on a rapid response to an active shooter in a school, but these principles can be applied to similar situations that may occur in other populated areas throughout the village (e.g., residential areas, business and retail areas, churches and other places of worship). The training will complement the department's school familiarization program, which assigns officers to specific areas to increase their knowledge of the schools and strengthen the working relationship between law enforcement and school officials. The training and equipment purchased will improve the functioning of the criminal justice system and increase public safety by enhancing officer skills to respond to rapidly evolving violent situations where the lives of school children and other citizens are endangered.

NCA/NCF