Siloam Springs' School Resource Officer program has helped local police build a good relationship with students and the community, Sargent Chris Salley said at Thursday's school board meeting.
Salley's report to the school board about the school resource officer program was a continuation of a series of department reports that began last year, said assistant superintendent Jody Wiggins.
When Salley became a school resource officer 13 years ago, the program only had three officers, he said. Now the program has grown to include five full-time officers thanks to support from the school board, he said. He introduced each of the five officers along with his commander Captain Todd Brakeville.
"We have an awesome team and a great group of people," Salley said. "It takes a certain kind of police officer to work with kids day-in and day-out."
In addition to protecting students and faculty, school resource officers try to get into the classroom and talk to students as much as possible. Several officers can often be found on the playground, playing with students during recess, Salley said.
Officers present to students, parents and teachers on topics such as gang awareness, internet safety, illegal drugs and alcohol, juvenile and constitutional law, bike safety, drunk driving and active killer response, he said. Several of the school officers also serve on local and state boards aimed at creating safer schools, Salley said.
Salley said the public's attitude toward law enforcement officers is cyclical and currently there is a lot of tension and distrust.
"That's not the case here with us," he said. "I believe that's a direct result of your support."
When Salley was speaking to classes early in his career, he would often ask the question "Who is afraid of police?" and half the class would raise their hand. Now, none of them raise their hands. That trust has carried over to the student's parents and the community, he said.
Wiggins said that because the officers have built a trusting relationship with students, the students are often very honest with them in tough situations.
"I want to celebrate our school resource officers and police officers because it's not everyone that has that relationship," he said.
School board member Brent Butler commented that the school resource officers have a wonderful partnership with the school and are respected by the students. He added that it is very fortunate that the school district, police department and city have such a great relationship.
"It makes me feel good that you are here," he said.
General News on 10/16/2016