Winnipeg, MB - Today, Mayor Sam Katz announced the expansion of the Winnipeg Police Service School Resource Officer program to the St. James-Assiniboia School Division. Two new School Resource Officers (SROs) will focus on prevention, education and maintaining the peace in schools by enhancing the visible law enforcement presence to ensure open lines of communication and strong relationships with area youth, schools and communities.
The two new SROs will be based out of Sturgeon Heights Collegiate and St. James Collegiate, but will also be working closely with all other schools in the Division.
“School resource officers are an important bridge between youth and law enforcement,” said Mayor Katz. “These officers are able to build relationships with students by interacting with them on a regular basis. The officers will be able to deliver education and safety programs, as well as help to resolve conflicts and intervene in situations with youth at risk.”
“School Resource Officers play an important role in our City,” said Councillor Scott Fielding, Chair of the Standing Policy Committee on Protection and Community Services. “It is an essential partnership between the Winnipeg Police Service, the school division, and our youth, working together to build a positive relationship and keeping out community safe.”
“The Winnipeg Police Service is pleased to be entering into a partnership with the St. James-Assiniboia School Division to place two School Resource Officers in their schools,” said Deputy Chief Art Stannard, Winnipeg Police Service. “This is a true partnership which enriches relationships between police, teachers, students, parents and the community.”
“The St. James-Assiniboia School Division appreciates the support from the City of Winnipeg for their share of the funds, which combined with School Division funds, enables us to have School Resource Officers for our schools,” said Craig McGregor, Vice-Chair, St. James-Assiniboia School Division Board of Trustees. “We anticipate that this partnership will allow our students to develop positive relationships with the Winnipeg Police Service, which in turn will make our community a safer place for all.”
The St. James-Assiniboia School Division will fund two thirds of the program for one year.
The Winnipeg Police Service will fund one third of the cost of the program by providing in-kind contributions including cruiser cars, gas, insurance, uniforms, supervision and training. The Service will also subsidize a portion of the salaries for the program.
The School Resource Officer (SRO) program was established in 2002 and currently exists in two school divisions in Winnipeg; the Winnipeg School Division and the Pembina Trails School Division. There are presently 11 SROs working with 107 schools.
An administrative report will be considered by the Standing Policy Committee on Protection and Community Services on Thursday, July 4, 2013.