MOLINE, Ill. — The Moline-Coal Valley School District and Moline Police Department have been awarded a joint grant aimed at enhancing violence prevention measures at the schools.
In a statement released by Chief of Police Darren Gault, MPD announced that the U.S. Department of Justice had accepted an application from the City of Moline and the district's Board of Education for funding through the federal School Violence Prevention Program.
The grant, totaling $111,744, is being awarded to the City of Moline, who is splitting it between the organizations. MCVSD is receiving $12,241, while MPD is getting the remaining $99,503. Each group is also required to match a 25% financial contribution to the projects funded by the grant.
The money will reportedly be used to install 18 exterior security cameras in or around 12 Moline schools, enhancing their security systems; especially at major school intersections.
"The quality of video the ability to retain video on the cloud has enhanced our ability to get into the space, and we see it as a value add to our tool box in able to enhance security around those schools," Chief Gault said.
The school district will also be using a new program called Omnilert, which is a platform for mass notifications in case of emergency events. Officials say that Omnilert system "would provide a unique safety communication platform to grab attention and drive specific safety information and would fill a communication gap identified by the police department and school district."
Chief Gault said that both the school district and the police department are pleased with the grant, pledging to enhance safety and emergency response, increase coordination with the police department, and provide violence deterrent measures.