WARREN -- Presenting $150,000in federal money to help the Warren Police Department respond to violent incidents in local schools, U.S. Rep. Patrick Kennedy said it will go toward equipment he hopes officers never have to use.

The congressman, who addressed residents and officials in the wake of Monday's school shooting in Lancaster County, Pa., where five female Amish students were killed, said the money, which was requested 18 months ago, is especially timely.

Monday's incident was the nation's third school shooting in five days.

"Again and again with these school shootings, we need to make sure that we can respond as quickly as possible to any cry for help," Kennedy said.

Earmarked for the purchase of mobile data terminals, portable communication systems, defibrillators, metal detectors, computer network upgrades, and portable generators and audio/video monitoring systems, officials say the appropriation will help officers respond to acts of violence within Warren schools.

Police Chief Thomas Gordon said the equipment can also be used to protect the entire community. Through the federal COPS Technology Grant Program, four laptop computers will be installed in squad cars assigned to sectors housing school buildings.

The department will also purchase a portable metal detector that can be placed in schools or other buildings to scan people entering the building if a threat is received or if officials believe someone may bring weapons into a school dance.

Gordon said the money will also go toward five or more radio communication systems, audio/video monitoring equipment to keep officers out of harm's way while evaluating an area if an incident occurs, three electronic defibrillators, and hooking more of the department's computers to the Internet.

Gordon said Kennedy, who serves on the House Appropriations Committee, asked him about his financing needs for the department 18 months ago and that he requested the technology and equipment grant to supplement the training officers underwent in February.

That training, which was a response to the 1999 Columbine school shootings, involved basic strategy in response to shootings within schools, Gordon said. In light of that tragedy, police departments began to move away from the old method of securing the area and waiting for SWAT teams or other specialized units to move in. The new philosophy is to take immediate action, he said.

"I think other departments across the country recognize no matter where you live that you need to prepare for something like this," Gordon said.

In light of the recent shootings, Gordon said he is confident that the schools are secure, but officials recognize the potential for violent incidents.

"We are more aware," he said.