Law Enforcement Technology

MAY 2017

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10 LAW ENFORCEMENT TECHNOLOGY MAY 2017 www.officer.com P O L I C IN G IN S C H O O L S P olicing in schools plays an important role in law enforce- ment, as officers in this capacity are not just assigned to institu- tions to simply handle criminal activity. Rather, officers on duty in schools and on campuses serve as mentors and as a resource for both students and staff. Additionally, new technology and smartphone apps specifically designed for law enforce- ment have made it easier and less intimi- dating for students to connect with police. In fact, using the apps has been a quick way to alert school law enforce- ment agencies of suspicious activity. Laying the groundwork with trust When it comes to policing in schools, maintaining trust, respect and commu- nication are crucial for success. Jody Scrifes, chief of police at the Lubbock Independent School District (LISD) in Lubbock, Texas, says consis- tency is key to creating bonds of trust. "The students see the officers at their schools and athletic events and are able to get to know them on a daily basis." In Albuquerque, N.M., Henry Wong, an officer in the Albuquerque Public Schools, states that trust is an important aspect for all law enforcement officers and that it must be established with students, teachers and the public. "It is important for many reasons," says Wong. "A campus is like a small com- munity with students, teachers, staff and administrators each with their roles in the campus society." Wong says as School Resource Officers (SRO), police in those settings must have pro- fessional relationships with the entire school community. "It has to be a partnership," Wong continues. Lack of trust can ruin the solid foundation that officers and schools may create; a SRO must be approachable to all who are on the campus. A new Approach New tech can make it easier for students to connect with campus police. by Hilar y Romig

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