Each of the new call stations is easily accessible by patrol car, allowing police officers quick access to help those who make the calls. The phones in the new call stations will connect with police dispatch via the internet.
The $500 million bond measure, the Secure Our Children’s Future Act, also includes funding for county colleges and improving water systems in K-12 schools.
“The Competitive School Safety Grant Program will provide the resources needed by many schools throughout our state to ensure students have a safe learning environment,” said MSP Director Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue.
Plano ISD, just north of Dallas, Texas, is adding security measures to campus.
Over 200 schools in New Mexico will receive funding for security upgrades.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools plan to make schools safer in the aftermath of mass shootings.
The $1 million will be used to increase security infrastructure in Virginia Beach City Public Schools, including more video surveillance in schools, expanded access control for staff, increased external fencing to some campuses and the relocation of security desks to school entrances to allow them to check in visitors to campus.
The grant’s criteria prioritize schools most in need of modern security equipment, schools with relatively high numbers of incidents, schools where a school security audit has identified equipment needs and schools in divisions least able to pay for security upgrades.
The UNM Police Department believes the carjacking incidents were committed by the same group of people and are increasing nighttime patrols, according to spokesman Tim Stump.
Schools around the country are turning to gunshot detection systems to aid in campus security.