Chief Seeks Cops in Barrington Schools
Barrington Police Chief John LaCross says he is including at least one police resource officer in his proposed budget for next year.
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The Barrington Police Department’s proposed budget for next fiscal year will include a request for at least one full-time police resource officer in the schools, according to Police Chief John LaCross.
“I’m hoping it is approved,” said LaCross in a story on eastbayri.com. “I’m hoping consideration is given to it … at least one position.”
LaCross has attempted to get federal grants to pay for a resource officer in past years without success. This year the police chief said he will look for financial support from Barrington Town Manager Peter DeAngelis Jr. and the Committee on Appropriations, according to eastbayri.com.
Each resource officer would cost about $80,000 in salary and benefits, LaCross estimated. The resource officers would help to improve security at the schools while also helping to curb underage drinking and other similar activities.
“It’s about a lot more than just an officer being there with a gun,” he said. “There are a lot of positives that come with that position.”
Paul Dulchinos
9:26 am on Tuesday, February 5, 2013
What about a hiring a thoroughly vetted private security firm instead?
Henry Doyle
1:57 pm on Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Yeah like someone from Blackwater or Xi or whatever they're called now. No thanks. Give me a friendly neighborhood beat cop anyday.
Gallo Pinto
3:00 pm on Monday, February 11, 2013
Barrington Public Schools do not need police or security. It is ridiculous to even consider such a thing. Schools that need police or security are those in metropolitan areas and bad neighborhoods. Barrington is filled with wealthy and concerned white families (for the most part); it is not LA, there are not gang fights, there are no real weapons (unless you consider the butter-knife incident of deadly consequence), there is no real reason for police in schools except the BPD's ego. On another note, the BPD is seeking more funding... are the Dodge Chargers and military Humvees not enough? Can you not book speeding tickets in those? Or do you need helicopters, too? A re-evaluation of priorities is in order.