Chuck Norris is featured in a public service announcement for a suspicious-activity reporting system called iWatchTexas. Governor Greg Abbott approached the 82-year-old action movie star to appear in the 30-second TV spot, which started airing statewide on Wednesday. iWatchTexas is a mobile app and website that was launched in 2018. It allows members of the public to report suspicious activity involving criminal, terroristic, and school safety threats.
Governor Abbott has also announce the Governor’s Public Safety Office (PSO) is accepting applications from law enforcement agencies for Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT) travel assistance and the Bullet-Resistant Shield Grant Program for fiscal year 2023. In June, the Governor and Texas legislative leaders transferred $105 million to support additional school safety and mental health initiatives, including $3 million for local law enforcement agencies to offset travel expenditures for ALERRT training and $50 million for bullet-resistant shields.
“The State of Texas is working to ensure our law enforcement partners across the state are able to protect our children, teachers, and schools as the new school year begins," said Governor Abbott. “These new funds will give law enforcement officers expanded access to training for active shooter scenarios, as well as critical protective equipment. I encourage all eligible law enforcement agencies and local government entities to apply for this additional funding as we work together to keep all Texans safe.”