Applications open for courthouse security grants

STATEWIDE – The Colorado Judicial Department has opened the application period for grants to help eligible counties cover costs associated with courthouse security for the first half of 2019.

There will be two grant cycles from the Colorado Court Security Cash Fund in 2019 as the program makes changes to align itself with the state’s fiscal year. The first cycle will be only for grants for personnel from Jan. 1 to June 30, 2019. The second grant cycle, offering assistance with covering costs of personnel and equipment, will cover the fiscal year from July 1, 2019, to June 30, 2020.

For the first grant cycle, approximately $1.2 million is available from the fund, which was established by Senate Bill 07-118.

Application forms, rules and other information on the fund and the grants may be found at https://www.coloradocourthousesecurity.com. Grant applications must be received by 5 p.m. Oct. 26.

The General Assembly established the grant program to help counties with limited financial resources ensure access to safe and secure courthouses that allow for the efficient and effective administration of justice.

Grant funds for the first cycle may be used for court security staffing at a facility housing a state court or probation office.

To be considered, applications must be submitted through the Colorado Courthouse Security web page listed above and received by 5 p.m. Oct. 26. Applications will not be accepted by fax or e-mail.