Waterford police, schools awarded security grant

The Waterford Police Department and Waterford School District are the recipients of a $188,512 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice COPS Secure Our Schools Program.

The funds will go towards improving security measures in the district through implementations such as building surveillance cameras, installing surveillance cameras and GPS tracking systems on buses, and using amplification systems to increase radio signal coverage.

The district will also utilize Knox boxes that provide building access for first responders, as well as upgrade the district’s alarm systems.

The COPS Office is a federal agency responsible for advancing community policing nationwide.

Waterford police and Waterford Schools received a $267,410 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice back in 2008, as well as a $176,693 grant in 2010.

The Department of Justice awarded 93 grants in 32 states, with Waterford’s being the only award in Michigan.

Waterford Schools was also previously awarded $299,255 by the Department of Justice for the “Mentoring for the Safe Schools/Healthy Students Initiative” to help provide mentors to students between the ages of 12 and 17 who have been involved with the juvenile justice system or are at risk of court involvement.

In March 2008, the district awarded two contracts to Interstate Security, Inc. of Shelby Township with the first contract consisting of $96,000, for building a surveillance system in all Waterford elementary schools, as well as the district’s high school auditoriums, gyms, swimming pools and fitness centers.

Interstate’s second contract was for the installation of security cameras at Kingsley Montgomery Elementary School.