A commentary by a retired Central Saanich Police Service officer who lives in Cobble Hill.
I read with interest the lengthy commentary on police officers in schools, and in particular the role of the police school liaison officer. The writer’s views were expressed well and I commend her on expressing her thoughts and concerns in an intelligent and diplomatic way.
I spent the last nine years before retirement as a school liaison and community relations officer. That was a very rewarding time in my 34-year police career, a time frame I reflect upon fondly.
The job did not end with my time in the schools I was responsible for — three elementary, one middle and one secondary school.
I would often receive calls, visits, emails from teachers, parents, community members who wanted to advise me of what they perceived as a possible problem with a student/youth in the community that they thought I should be aware of.
Parents of secondary school students in particular requested my input in situations where their children were not proceeding down correct paths in life and could I help with that?
Naturally, I, as a father, was most willing to help in any way I could, and many times I was familiar with the student/youth and would make certain to make additional contact with that person and see what I could do to help.
That always seemed to be well-received, and in retrospect, worked.
There have been many letters to the editor about the turmoil with the issue of police school liaison officers in the Greater Victoria School District.
In reviewing them I wonder if those who are opposed to these officers in their schools have sat down with those officers and seen what they are all about, what they deem is their job in the schools, what their focus is, why they are in that job in policing, and most importantly, what their experience is in dealing with youth in their respective communities.
Would this not be a medium to have representatives of the school district, teachers and school administration be part of the selection process when candidates come forward who express their interest in that role?
All you have to do is ask.
These police officers who volunteer for the task of a school liaison officer do so with the best intentions. Many of them are parents, and are already involved with youth in their respective communities.
I recall being introduced to a Grade 11 class at Stelly’s Secondary as “Our school liaison officer, who’s somewhere between a social worker and a police officer.”
I took that as a compliment.
Put them back in place. I doubt you will regret it.
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