and even a bomb threat. This equates to STPS police officers responding reactively on average - once every two days. The STPS experienced an increase of 55% for all calls to schools with 20% classified as violent events. Unfortunately, this evidence- based data confirmed the anticipated impact that we cautioned may occur with the decision to fully end SRO Programming. Many studies continue to report mixed findings on SRO Programming, that is, there appears to be both positive and negative perceptions. Very few studies have actually conducted evaluations of the efficacy of SRO programming, so there is no real definitive evidence on what extent such programs actually achieve intended goals or not. I am not sure a study will ever pinpoint that success, but our collaborative experiences have to matter. Notwithstanding that some may say relying on anecdotal evidence will lead to overgeneralization and bias by the police, we do strongly believe that our first-hand experiences and statistical data on school related incidents in recent years indeed represents evidence of a serious problem. What we can say, is that data speaks – and there should be no question, that the rise in school related violence has a direct link to the years our police officers have not been welcomed to attend our local schools. We believe that police visibility is a deterrent in all environments. We are only one player in a complex consortium in the human services realm that can impact youth in positive ways. We are not the only solution, but our traditional uniformed presence has certainly proven to support a safe school environment. It’s time to return to schools. The Path Forward Since 2021, the STPS Executive Leadership Team, the STPS
Police Services Board, St. Thomas City Council, the Aylmer-Elgin-St. Thomas Community Safety and Well-Being Integration Table, the STPS Community Inclusion Council and parent groups have all advocated for a return of the SRO Program in some revised form. For a revamped SRO Program to be effective, and more specifically for those who do not feel ‘safe’ with police presence at schools, a concerted effort, willingness and readiness to adjust by the STPS and School Boards is absolutely necessary. The STPS is actively forging new partnerships with academic institutions, qualified individuals and groups that are well-positioned to inform our service delivery obligations pertaining to youth. I have been encouraged in recent weeks, through meetings with both respective Directors of Education, that we stand aligned with our views on safe schools. I am pleased that planning for an immediate return of police officers in a non- emergent, supportive capacity is underway. The entire school community deserves a refresh that values our shared vision of safety and well-being – one that recognizes the past, the present and the future We remain committed to an immediate path to modernization ensuring safe and supportive schools, where preventable distractions can be minimized, and a trust- ing police-school relationship can be fostered once again.
Page 6 Hometown St. Thomas • March 2025
To advertise here, please contact Geoff@VillagerPublications.com
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs