$3.9 million grant to help school police grow

Terry Webster

Friday, Sept. 21, 2001 | 10:16 a.m.

The Clark County School District's police force may be expanded under a $3.9 million grant to fund up to 31 new officers.

"It represents a significant increase in our force," said Police Chief Elliott Phelps, who oversees approximately 135 officers.

Phelps said the grant will provide 75 percent of the cost for officers' salaries and benefits, and the district would have to fund the remaining 25 percent. The district would first have to hire the officers, then be reimbursed through the grant.

The grant extends for three years, with the assumption the district will keep the officers for at least one additional year, Phelps said.

The police department is hoping to step up its presence in middle schools, an age when students are particularly at risk of getting into trouble, said Phelps. It also wants to bring more officers into classrooms for instruction, by using a nationally approved curriculum for that purpose.

Phelps said he is not certain at this time when the district will receive the money or when the new officers may be hired.

Rep. Shelley Berkley, R-Nev., said the additional officers are greatly needed.

"This will help the school district improve the security of our schools and the safety of all our children."

The funding will come from the Community Oriented Policing Services program, which is administered by the Department of Justice.