Summary of Federal Grant Award

The Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Office School Violence Prevention Program (SVPP, CFDA 16.071) awarded $270,246 to the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services, effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2028. This three-year Project Grant supports the implementation of evidence-based school security improvements and violence prevention programs within Richmond, Virginia. The funding enables the awardee to coordinate with local law enforcement, provide officer training on student violence prevention, install security technologies such as metal detectors and emergency notification systems, and implement other measures designed to enhance overall school safety and security.

As the State Administrative Agency, the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services will administer these funds to advance comprehensive school security enhancements across its jurisdiction. The awardee is required to maintain semiannual programmatic performance reports and quarterly federal financial reports throughout the award period, with potential extension consideration up to an additional 12 months upon Director approval. All school security improvements must be developed in consultation with multidisciplinary stakeholders, including law enforcement, mental health professionals, educators, and community members, to ensure alignment with evidence-based practices and school-specific needs.