Benefit of police in schools

THE EDITOR: This is in response to a letter by a concerned TT citizen with regard to police inside schools.

The writer has excellent ideas with regard to the other parts of the puzzle and I think he should be sought after for further consultation. However, I believe that the writer does not understand the concept of police officers in schools. In a recent article I supported this call of action and backed it up with my first hand experience of the positive effects of such a programme. The presence of the police is not solely to protect students and teachers inside the schools from students, but it is an effort to deal with all other aspects that would avoid the presence of additional police officers in the school unless necessary. This is part of the community policing initiative, where police officers would create an environment of trust and build long-lasting relationships between students, parents, and the police. What a great place to start! This will work once properly implemented and the officer receives the adequate training.

ANDY
from Miami