Whatcha think?
Saratoga Springs police officers will start working out of the city school district’s elementary schools next week in a partnership that hopes to increase security and enhance positive relationships.
Starting Tuesday, public elementary school in the city – Division Street, Caroline Street, Lake Avenue and Geyser Road – will provide the district workspace for police officers to perform clerical and investigative tasks. The initiative takes the officers out of headquarters for an increased police presence in the post-Sandy Hook era. Officers will not conduct interviews or bring witnesses, victims or suspects into any school, according to Chief Christopher Cole. The program brings officers back into schools for the first time since 2010, when the department’s D.A.R.E. program was suspended.
The changes are expected to come at no additional costs to the city and school district. Officers will occupy the schools at various times. Officers hope to staff private schools in the city through a similar arrangement. Saratoga Springs High School already has an officer on its grounds.
“I could not be happier about the reception and support we have received from Superintendent Piccirillo and his staff as we all take responsibility for finding viable and practical solutions relating to the safety of our schools,” Cole said.
“This partnership enables the school district and the police department to increase the safety of our learning communities,” said David L’Hommedieu, the district’s assistant superintendent of information technology and operational innovation.
“We are happy to cooperate with the school district,” Public Safety Commissioner Chris Mathiesen said. “Having an increased presence of our police department on the campuses of the individual schools is a good idea for many reasons. Also, access to the office space in schools can improve the efficiency of our patrols.”