Pubdate: Thu, 15 Aug 2013
Source: Journal-Pioneer, The (CN PI)
Copyright: 2013 Journal-Pioneer
Contact:  http://www.journalpioneer.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2789

AN IDEA WHOSE TIME HAS COME

It's an idea that is long overdue. Earlier this week, the City of 
Charlottetown announced it was reinstating funding to place police 
officers in Charlottetown Rural and Colonel Gray high schools on a 
full-time basis from Sept. 3 to Nov. 8. After that, the officers will 
return on an interim basis, spending about four hours a week for the 
remainder of the first school term.

The program is designed to help improve the school climate dealing 
with drugs, bullying property damage and mischief.

In the first go around, the program was deemed a success.

Now the City of Summerside is thinking along the same lines for Three 
Oaks Senior High School.

Coun. Tina Mundy, chair of the city's police commission, said it's 
possible a similar program could be started in the local high school.

Mundy said once the need is identified, the city would be willing to 
work with the police department, the English School Board, home and 
school and parents to get a program up and running.

There is little doubt there are issues at the high school ranging 
from mischief and property damage to bullying and drug abuse a police 
presence could impact.

This type of program could also go a long way to fostering a positive 
relationship between police and youth as well, creating an 
opportunity for an open dialogue between the students and the officers.

Having a police officer in the high school will not stop all of the 
problems but could go a long way in curbing some of the disruptive behaviour.

But the city cannot unilaterally put any kind of a program in place 
without first being asked to do so.

It will take a request from the school board or parents or both to 
set the wheels in motion. The cost of the program shouldn't be an 
issue. The 2013 budget for Summerside Police Services is $3.8 
million. Manpower should not be an issue because the department is at 
full complement with 26 officers.

With students returning to classes in just over three weeks, this 
idea should be fast-tracked with a plan to have a program in place 
when classes resume.

City council meets Monday night (Aug. 19) and this should be on the 
agenda. Council needs to make the commitment both financially and in 
manpower, and do it soon.

It's an investment in the youth and it's money well spent. Mundy 
summed it up best when she said, "We have to assure students, parents 
and the public that our schools provide a safe and health learning 
environment and really, there is no price you can put on that."
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom