‘We feel it builds trust’: Police back possible return of School Resource Officer program

London police are welcoming new provincial legislation mandating the return of school resource officers. CTV’s Reta Ismail reports.

It’s been four years since a controversial police-in-schools program was paused by the London Police Service (LPS), but the province is introducing new legislation that will require school boards to implement the program.

The decision to pause the School Resource Officer (SRO) program was made after some found it could be a source of trauma for racialized groups.

A review was launched, led by leadership representatives from the London District Catholic School Board (LDCSB), the public-school board, local police services (Elgin, Middlesex, Oxford, and London), and community leaders from Indigenous, Black, and people of colour communities, according to SRO Program Review Update.

“In 2021, as a result of feedback between police services, community leaders, and school boards, the program was paused until further review,” explained Inspector Pete Testa, LPS, Community Mobilization and Support.

Testa said LPS fully supports having officers within the schools, “We feel that it builds community trust, it provides support for youth, and it provides an opportunity for police to connect with the youth, and support people in vulnerable positions.”

The LDCSB issued a statement to CTV News, saying, “The LDCSB has always had an excellent working relationship with our local police services. We look forward to new opportunities to work together in collaborative ways that help our students and their families.”

However, in response to an interview request regarding the return of the program, the Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB) said, “We will respectfully decline to comment at this time.”

The proposed legislation announced May 29 would require school boards to implement a school resource officer (SRO) program, which places officers in elementary and high schools.

LPS say they will be having conversations with school boards and stakeholders – when/if legislation passes.