MS SB2659

Establishes the Mississippi Community Oriented Policing Services in Schools (MCOPS) grant program in the State Department of Education to fund additional School Resource Officers for community policing in primary and secondary schools.

Provides state grants of up to $10,000 per officer position over one year, requiring 50/50 matching from local funds, with officers devoting at least 75% of their time to school-based work.

Requires all grant recipients to send funded School Resource Officers to the Mississippi Law Enforcement Officers' Training Academy for Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training, with state reimbursement up to $1,200 per person for training costs.

Mandates grant applications include a Memorandum of Understanding between law enforcement and school officials defining roles and responsibilities, plus a narrative documenting community policing strategies and problem identification.

Permits school districts unable to meet MCOPS financial requirements to develop an alternative security plan (approved by State Board of Education and Department of Public Safety) and apply for MCOPS grants specifically for training district-employed security personnel.