Politics & Government

Selectmen Approve Additional Hours For School Resource Officer

The once full-time position was reduced to part-time due to past budget cuts.

With the recent and other ongoing issues involving alcohol and drugs, the Clinton Board of Selectmen (BOS) agreed that increasing the presence of a School Resource Officer (SRO) at was a good idea.

With the exception of Selectman Carol Walter, who abstained from the vote, four members of the BOS approved an expenditure of $26,000 which will increase the SRO's hours from 16 to 40 a week. This will cover through the end of fiscal year '11-'12 which coincides with the end of the school year.

The expenditure now goes to the Board of Finance. If they approve it, it goes on to a town meeting.

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Members of the including Chief Todd Lawrie, Major John Santry and Officer Allison Skeens approached the selectmen with the request.

"Based on the last couple of months, it's hopping out there," said Chief Lawrie, who referred to the recent of the school and the presence of pills, marijuana and alcohol.

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The students see the SRO as a full-time presence at the school, explained Lawrie.

"We have had a full-time school resource officer at the Morgan School since 1999," said Lawrie. "The position was full-time until two years ago when the budget was cut. I feel we are short-changing the community."

Recently, with just 16 hours budgeted for the position, three different officers may work the position each week.

Officer Skeens, who is the SRO, agreed with the chief, saying activity definitely spikes when she is not on campus.

"The students know the days I am off," she said.

Superintendent of School Jack Cross said having the SRO at Morgan makes a difference.

"I can't give you real numbers that say this or that will be decreased due to the SRO," he said, "but the reality is this isn't just a high school issue, it is system-wide."

Morgan Principal Keri Hagness agreed, saying the SRO helps solve a lot of little problems before they become big problems.

"Allison (Skeens) has been a constant, we want her at the school more often," said Hagness. "Three officers rotating shifts do not provide a constant presence."

Selectman Thomas Vicino said, "This will help deter future problems versus letting something get out of control."

Selectman Dolly Mezzetti proposed that in the future, the full-time, five days a week position be funded by both the town and the schools equally.


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