Washington, DC  -  Congressman Mike Rogers congratulated the Sylacauga Police Department and local students, teachers and families today for receiving a $25,000 grant to help improve safety at local public schools. The grant, which is administered by the COPS program at the Department of Justice, will help pay for the installation of new school security equipment such as metal detectors and cameras.

“When it comes to improving our schools safety must continue to be one of our top concerns,” Rogers said. “Ultimately, this grant should help improve student achievement, and provide greater peace of mind for local students, teachers and families.”

Rogers said the grant was awarded through the Secure Our Schools program in the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), and is intended to help support efforts to improve security at schools. The funding will provide up to 50 percent of the total cost for Sylacauga schools to install metal detectors, locks, lighting, and other equipment in schools to help deter crime. Sylacauga Police Department will administer the grant locally.

“I would also like to thank State Representative Ron Johnson for his assistance with this project,” Rogers added.