The Whitefish Police Department will receive a $125,000 federal grant to hire a school resource officer, according to a news release from the U.S. Department of Justice.

The grants are coming through the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services of the Justice Department.

Grants totaling $125 million have been approved for 263 cities and counties, aimed at creating 937 law enforcement positions, including nearly $45 million to fund 356 new school resource officer positions.

Grantees were selected based on fiscal needs, local crime rates and community policing plans, with an additional focus this year on agencies requesting assistance in developing school safety programs that include hiring a school resource officer.

“These critical investments represent the Justice Department’s latest effort to strengthen key law enforcement capabilities, and to provide communities with the resources they need to protect our young people,” U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder said.

For a complete list of grantees and additional information, visit COPS online at www.cops.usdoj.gov.