Congressman Chris Smith (R-Hamilton) today announced that Burlington City has been awarded a $100,000 Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) grant to improve security in the city’s schools.

    The funding, from the COPS Secure Our Schools initiative, can be used to help pay for the costs of security technology, like metal detectors and improved lighting; and also can be used to cover part of the costs associated with training school security personnel and conducting security assessments.

    “I am pleased that Burlington City was awarded this significant COPS school safety grant.  This federal funding will help the city guarantee a safe and healthy learning environment for our students,” Smith said.

    “In order for students to be able to adequately focus on their studies, they must feel secure in their environment. This COPS grant will help Burlington City Police and our school system continue to provide an atmosphere that is most conducive to learning,” he added.

    Of the 10 Secure Our Schools grants awarded to New Jersey, only one grant – for $165,000 to Passaic – was larger than Burlington City’s $100,000 grant.  The funds will cover up to 50 percent of the security costs, with the city paying the remainder.