The Independence Police Department applied for and has received a $300,000.00 Cooperative Agreement from the Jackson County's Community Backed Anti-Drug Tax (COMBAT). This funding will be used to assist the City in defraying the cost of its Law Enforcement School Based Initiative called S.T.E.P. (Students Transitioning Exceptionally Prepared). This program is taught by IPD's School Resource Officers to students in 5th and 8th grades in the Independence School District. STEP is designed to assist students in the transition from elementary to middle school, and middle school to high school. Topics discussed with students include negative affects of bullying; drug, alcohol, and smoking/vaping prevention; managing conflict resolution; and cyber crimes. The intent is to help students obtain the life skills to cope with stresses and trauma, help build strong decision making and communication skills, and to empower youth with the ability to value their own perceptions and feelings.
The $300,000 will be used to fully fund two School Resource Officers and partially fund four additional School Resource Officers. Supplies in the amount of $11,300 is also included in the award. The Agreement is for calendar year 2021 and reimbursements will be made in two payments throughout the year, upon submission of the necessary invoices and reports.