"It is important that we at a federal level provide our local law officials the resources they need to ensure safety in our communities," Lincoln said. "I am pleased this funding will assist police officers in Mountain Home as they work toward creating a safer environment for both students and faculty members."

"Students learn better in an environment where they feel safe, and I think our parents, teachers and schoolchildren would agree that our neighborhoods and schools are safer as a result of the COPS program," Pryor said. "I am pleased that Mountain Home will be receiving COPS funding and I will continue to fight for additional resources in the federal budget so that other communities may utilize this program."

"Thanks to the COPS Secure our Schools Program, parents can send their children to school each day knowing they are safe from harm," said Berry. "I commend the law enforcement community in Mountain Home for securing these additional funds and look forward to working with them in the future to return more federal resources to Baxter County."

In addition to funding school safety projects, COPS supports innovative local community policing initiatives, funds the purchase of crime-fighting technology, provides training and technical assistance resources, and funds the hiring of local law enforcement officers. Since 1995, COPS has invested more than $11.3 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,600 state and local law enforcement agencies.

For additional information about COPS Secure Our Schools program, or to learn which law enforcement agencies received grants, visit COPS website at www.cops.usdoj.gov.