The purpose of the cops office school violence prevention program (SVPP) is to improve security at schools and on school grounds through school safety programs and technology

The Department of Justice Community Oriented Policing Program awarded the Town of Sahuarita Police Department $121,107 on October 1, 2025, under the School Violence Prevention Program (CFDA 16.071) to implement evidence-based school security programs and technologies in Sahuarita, Arizona.

The award supports the placement and use of metal detectors, emergency notification systems, coordination with local law enforcement, and training for law enforcement officers to prevent student violence. The funding period runs through September 30, 2028, with potential for a 12-month extension considered on a case-by-case basis. The School Violence Prevention Program authorizes funding for a range of school security measures including locks, lighting, deterrent systems, technology for expedited emergency notification, and other measures the COPS Office Director determines will significantly improve security. Recipients must document consultation with stakeholders beyond law enforcement—including mental health professionals, social workers, students, parents, school violence researchers, teachers, and school personnel—to ensure improvements are consistent with a comprehensive approach to preventing school violence and individualized to each school's needs. Recipients must submit semiannual programmatic performance reports and quarterly SF-425 federal financial reports, along with a final closeout report, and must participate in DOJ monitoring activities including site visits and compliance reviews.

Funding under this award program will be used by the school jurisdiction to implement evidence-based programs to improve school security.