A police officer stops traffic in front of Chamblee Charter High School after a youth was arrested for carrying loaded guns, according to authorities, on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2014, in Chamblee, Ga.

A police officer stops traffic in front of Chamblee Charter High School after a youth was arrested for carrying loaded guns, according to authorities, on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2014, in Chamblee, Ga. / AP Photo

Several counties and school districts in Georgia have received federal grants aimed at improving school safety.

 

The Department of Justice last week announced more than $70 million in grants through the STOP School Violence Act, signed earlier this year.

 

Savannah-Chatham County schools will get nearly $500,000. They’ll use it to improve school security and prepare teachers and counselors to handle mental health issues.

 

The school district’s police chief, Terry Enoch, said officials have heard from parents and others in the school community about the need for mental health support.

 

“They want more training for our educators so they can identify warning signs when kids are in trouble and have resources available to help treat issues when they arise,” he said.

 

Similar grants will go to schools in Ben Hill, Coffee, Dade, DeKalb, Fulton, and Richmond Counties.

 

Tags: Savannah-Chatham Schools  School Security  Department of Justice  Georgia  Savannah