*Incorrect information was previously published in regards to a school resource officer. Please read this article for a correction.
John I. Burton High School is currently attempting to allocate funds for a school resource officer through grant funding. A resource officer is a police officer that works for a department but is stationed at a school. A future school resource officer would most likely be employed through a local department, like Norton P.D or the Sheriff's Department.
The officer would be at the school during school hours. While working at the school, the officer would be given their own office space. They would have access to typical police equipment and to the school's camera system. The officer would look for defects/gaps in security and they would also maintain order in the school.
Their noticeable presence would serve as a good deterrent measure against illegal activities within the school.The officer would not be allowed to invade anyone's personal privacy; they would be only able to investigate if given permission or with probable cause/reason. Principal Williams says that the number one reason that the school would hire a resource officer is for safety. Principal Williams also says that one of the other reasons that the school should hire a resource officer is that many other schools have one.
Written By: Dustin Pilkenton