“The State of Texas is working to ensure our law enforcement partners across the state are able to protect our children, teachers, and schools as the new school year begins," says Abbott in a Wednesday
press release
. “These new funds will give law enforcement officers expanded access to training for active shooter scenarios, as well as critical protective equipment. I encourage all eligible law enforcement agencies and local government entities to apply for this additional funding as we work together to keep all Texans safe.”
Departments must apply for the grants through the
Public Safety Office’s
eGrants
grant management website
.
Independent school districts, units of local government, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and other educational institutions that operate law enforcement agencies employing peace officers can apply for the grant to purchase shields. However, all officers provided with a grant-funded ballistic shield must have either attended 16 hours of ALERRT training within the past 24 months or commit to attend within the next 24 months, according to the governor’s office. The cutoff for applying is Sept. 16.
Those same type departments, schools, and agencies can apply for travel assistance grants to cover expenses related to travel for ALERRT training. In the case of this grant, the final date to submit and certify an application is Aug. 31.
The PSO administers federal and state grant funding to promote strategies that improve public safety, support victims of crime, prevent terrorism, and prepare communities for the threats and hazards that pose the greatest risk to Texans.
