Dorchester County police enhance school safety

CAMBRIDGE, Md. – Dorchester County Public Schools will soon be safer thanks to a new grant.

The Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office says they received 84,000 dollars in grant money from the Safe Schools Maryland Initiative to help make learning environments safer for students.

This money will help pay for a retired officer who will watch over two schools in the district.

They say this move is critical in helping to improve relationships between police and students.

“We need them to feel confident enough in their ability to talk to us and not feel threatened,” said Dorchester County Sheriff James Phillips.

“That when they see us, hey, we’re regular people too, you know and we’re here because we want your concerns, so it’s very important,” said Phillips.

The Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office says they are also spending money on hiring off-duty cops who want to come in and work as a school resource officer.