School resource officers make students feel safer, new report finds
Edmonton’s School Resource Officer Program has received a passing grade in a new report that was presented to Catholic School Trustees on Wednesday.
The report, which was created by three criminologists over the last year-and-a-half, shows that the program is supported by students, parents, and staff members alike.
More than 80 per cent of students surveyed for the report said the program should remain in place. Two-thirds of students said it made them feel safer, but that number was lower among Black and Indigenous students.
More than 84 per cent of parents and 94 per cent of staff members also said the program should stay in place.
The report recommended improving the officer selection and training process to make sure the officerswork with kids and teens, and that officers should limit the amount of time they wear a uniform and carry a weapon in school.
It also said schools need to do a better job collecting data on the program to monitor trends and potential problems.
Officials with Edmonton Catholic Schools said they will continue with the program.
“That is our commitment moving forward and working with Chief McFee and his team,” said Deputy Superintendent Timothy Cusack. “With our trustees, all of our stakeholders to look at these recommendations, which we're looking at very seriously to enact on all of them to improve our SRO program on a go forward basis.”
“As you've heard from our researchers, everything can always be better. And I think they'd tell you that on most things that they look through. And we're committed to working with the school division to do that,” said Edmonton police Chief Dale McFee.
The program is currently suspended in Edmonton Public Schools, but the same researchers are currently working on a report for the board.
EPSB will make a decision on whether to re-implement the program based on the results of the report, which is expected in the fall.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Asking rent prices up 9.3% across Canada, Ontario sees only decline: report
A new report says the average asking rent for a home in Canada in April was up 9.3 per cent compared with a year ago, while a slight month-over-month increase was also recorded for the first time since January.
What is basic income, and how would it impact me?
Parliamentarians are considering a pair of bills aiming to lift people out of poverty through a basic income program, but some fear these types of systems could result in more taxes for Canadians who are already financially struggling.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.
Magnitude 4.2 earthquake reported off Vancouver Island's west coast
A 4.2-magnitude earthquake was recorded west of Vancouver Island early Friday morning.
Mexico's president accuses press and volunteer searchers for missing people of 'necrophilia'
The administration of Mexico's president has accused the press and volunteer searchers who look for the bodies of missing people of 'necrophilia,' comments that drew criticism this week.
WATCH Expecting an interest rate cut in June? Don't bet on it after new jobs data
Canada's labour market rebounded in April, adding more than 90,000 jobs, a staggering number of new positions after four consecutive months of little change.
Out-of-control wildfire burning near Fort McMurray
As of 9 a.m. on Friday, the wildfire burning 28 kilometres southwest of the northeastern Alberta city was 25 hectares in size.
Prince William says wife Kate is 'doing well'
Prince William said on Friday his wife Kate was 'doing well' in a rare public comment about the Princess of Wales as she undergoes preventative chemotherapy for cancer.
'Irate male' assaulted Newfoundland officers with block of cheese, police say
Police in Newfoundland say patrol officers were assaulted Thursday by a "very irate male" wielding a block of cheese.