Local schools will have a law enforcement presence again this year. In 2010 positions were cut, but today funding for three additional school resource officers was approved.

"I would say that the district is very excited to have the support of the community like this," said Christy Mcgee with School District 51.

Money for the positions came from the Department of Justice, by way of the Community Oriented Policing Services program.

"We won't have officers into the schools right away. That's one thing the community should realize. It takes time for the hiring process, said Heather Benjamin, Mesa County Sheriff's Department."

The grant was approved by Mesa County commissioners and requires that the Department of Human Services match the money given.

The deputies will not be in schools until later this fall or the beginning of next spring.

"Ultimately the more resources like this we can provide in our schools, the safer kids will be, and schools will be safer, and that's a good thing," said Mcgee.