School resource officers talk about creating trust with the Battle High School community
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
School resource officers have returned to some Columbia high schools for a little over a month now, after the city approved a contract with Columbia police and Columbia Public Schools.
The Columbia City Council approved the SRO contract with the Columbia Police Department and Columbia Public Schools on March 7. The next day two officers, Chris Williams and Corey Dawkins were sent to work at Battle High School.
Williams said it's important to create trust with the students and community.
"There's a lot of distrust with the police which is understandably so, and I think that's another reason to be here to break down those bridges and re-establish the trust between those kids their parents and the community," Williams said.
This isn't Williams's first time as an SRO. Before the pandemic, he spent time working as an SRO in every middle school in Columbia.
"Some of them we've known since middle school and then through high school. My partner and I have had situations where students say we are like father figures, so to hear that is really heartwarming," Williams said.
The district said in a statement, "We're pleased to be able to have School Resource Officers return to CPS following their short absence due to budget constraints and the pandemic. In addition to the school safety element SROs provide, SROs are charged with building relationships with students, families, and staff that enhance communication and the partnership between the CPD, CPS, and community. Battle High School administration and staff are supportive and welcome the SROs into their school-community. Last month, the two new SROs were formally introduced to Battle families at an all-school meeting held at the school."
There was pushback from some members of the community on putting officers back in schools. Some expressed concern that officers in school contribute to the "school to prison pipeline" at city council and school board meetings.
In the agreement, there are supposed to be four SROs split between three CPS high schools. The district and police department are working to bring in the two other SRO's.
