Congressman Visclosky announced today that the Department of Justice has awarded a grant to the City of East Chicago under the COPS School Violence Prevention Program.
The $234,323 grant award will be used by the East Chicago Police Department to implement an initiative called the Shout Out program, which aims to educate youth and provide resources to address various student and teen issues, including bullying, gang violence, drug and alcohol abuse, and mental health. The funding will be used to facilitate discussions and coordinate awareness presentations, develop outreach material, establish a confidential telephone number, and train police officers.
Congressman Pete Visclosky stated, “I applaud Mayor Copeland and the City of East Chicago for their initiative to successfully apply for and obtain this federal funding. I appreciate the value that East Chicago is placing in the health, safety, and well-being of their students, and that they are supporting the abilities of members of the police department and their schools to be positive role models and a resource to all students.”
Mayor of the City of East Chicago Anthony Copeland stated, “The City of East Chicago is honored to be the recipient of this award. The safety of students, staff and visitors has always been our highest priority. School safety has been a major concern throughout our country and prevention is key to establishing a safe place to live, learn and grow. Our Police Department has been working closely with our schools. This grant will augment their current efforts and create a safer school system.” For additional information on this Department of Justice program, click here.