LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Close to 200 school resource officers (SROs) will be hired across Michigan over the next three years after districts received nearly $25 million to support the endeavor.

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According to a press release from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s office, the program seeks to hire 195 SROs and will improve safety and security for more than 334,000 students statewide.

These funds from the Michigan State Police (MSP) Grants and Community Services Division can go towards salaries, benefits and training for SROs. In addition, a 50 percent match is required to be provided by the applicant jurisdiction.

“These grant awards will not only help to provide better safety in our school buildings by increasing the number of schools throughout the state with at least one SRO, but very importantly, by prioritizing smaller schools in more remote areas, we will reduce the time it takes for a police response in the event of an emergency,” said MSP Director Col. Joe Gasper.

The complete list of recipients can be found here.