Coffman Applauds House Passage of "STOP School Violence Act'

Press Release

U.S. Representative Mike Coffman (R-CO) applauded the passage of H.R. 4909, the 'Student, Teachers, and Officers Preventing (STOP) School Violence Act of 2018'. This bipartisan bill creates a grant program administered by the Department of Justice to train students, teachers, school personnel, and local law enforcement how to identify and intervene early when signs of violence arise, creates an anonymous reporting system, and implements school threat assessment protocols to prevent school shootings from occurring.

"I represent families that know all too well the impact violence has on our communities. So, as we gather here today, we do so in the name of parents, students, and teachers across our nation who, like us are concerned about school safety and are committed to finding common-sense solutions" Said Rep. Coffman, adding "No parent should ever have to wonder if their child is safe at school… I want Coloradans and Americans across the country to know that Congress is taking action to stop school violence".

Key elements of the STOP School Violence Act include:

1) Student Violence Prevention Training: The STOP School Violence Act provides funding for training to prevent student violence against oneself and others, including training for local law enforcement officers, school personnel, and students. Prevention training would be designed to give students and school personnel the ability to recognize and respond quickly to warning signs of school violence, and would include active shooter training.

2) Technology to Improve School Security: The bill provides funding for technology and equipment to improve school security and prevent attacks. This includes the development and operation of anonymous reporting systems, such as mobile apps, a hot-line, and a website. Funding may also be used for metal detectors, locks, lighting, and other technologies to keep schools safe.

3) School Threat Assessment and Crisis Intervention Teams: The legislation also contains funding for school threat assessment and crisis intervention teams so that school personnel can respond to threats before they materialize.

4) More Coordination with Law Enforcement: Finally, the STOP School Violence Act provides funding to support law enforcement coordination efforts, and in particular, those officers who already staff schools.

For more information on the STOP School Violence Act of 2018, click HERE. To view Rep. Coffman full statement on the passage of this bill click HERE.

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