Hamden Awarded School Security Grant

Hamden is one of 36 districts statewide which will receive funds in the first round of the Competitive Grant Program for school security, part of the Gun Violence Prevention and Children’s Safety Act. 

State funding of $5 million will be used to reimburse municipalities for a portion of the costs associated security infrastructure improvements made in the wake of the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown.

Hamden will receive a $152,505 state grant and match $107,873 in local funds for improvements at three schools. The money will be used for security-related measures, including security cameras and videotaping capabilities, new safety glass, remote-controlled locks, new keycard entry systems and panic alarms.

“After the horrific events on Dec. 14, Connecticut cities and towns moved swiftly to improve security infrastructures at schools in need,” Governor Malloy said. “We will never be able to prevent every random act, but we can take the steps necessary to make sure that our children and our teachers are as safe as possible. This funding allows districts with the most need to implement modern security measures that will make schools safer.” 

The awards, administered by the Department of Emergency Services (DESPP) and Public Protection in consultation with the Department of Education (SDE) and the Department of Construction Services (DCS), were based on a school security assessment survey conducted by each local school district that applied. Each municipality will be reimbursed between 20 and 80 percent according to town wealth, as defined in subdivision (26) of section 10-262f of the Connecticut General Statutes. Funds from municipalities, which total $3,921,435, will be matched with nearly $5 million in state funding for an overall $8,911,853 investment in school security among 169 schools.