Local school board, police renew partnership to enhance school safety

Officials from the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board and local police services (Source: SMCDSB/supplied)

The Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board (SMCDSB) announced the signing of an updated Police/School Board Protocol, formalizing a shared commitment to school safety.

“This protocol underscores our commitment to safe learning environments through proactive partnerships with local police,” said Frances Bagley, SMCDSB director of education, in a media release on Thursday. “Working together, we’re creating positive spaces that support our students and staff.”

The protocol is shared between SMCDSB, other local school boards and other police services. SMCDSB officials say it outlines how school boards and police partners will work together, defining their respective roles in terms of student and police-related investigations.

Further, the agreement outlines how police should be involved in school incidents, defining police’s role in preventing crime and solving conflicts that occur in schools.

Officials say the protocol will be reviewed biannually based on the needs of school communities.