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 Community Oriented Policing Program awarded Billings School District 2 (Billings Public Schools) $487,905 under the School Violence Prevention Program (CFDA 16.071) on October 1, 2025, to implement evidence-based school security improvements in Billings, Montana through September 30, 2028. Authorized uses include coordination with local law enforcement, training for officers in preventing student violence, placement of metal detectors and physical security measures, acquisition and installation of emergency notification technology, and other security improvements determined by the COPS Office Director to significantly improve school safety. Billings Public Schools, the largest school district in Montana serving over 16,700 students, will carry out the award. The three-year period of performance runs through September 30, 2028, with extensions available up to an additional 12 months upon approval. The recipient must submit semiannual programmatic performance reports and quarterly federal financial reports, and must participate in COPS Office 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.