Edmonton Public Schools' Revamped Police Program Receives Strong Early Feedback
Edmonton Public Schools has announced that its revamped school resource officer program is now operating at near expected capacity, with seven additional schools set to receive police officers this month. The program, which partners with the Edmonton Police Service, was previously paused for about five years for a comprehensive review due to concerns about its impact on marginalized students, including Black, Indigenous, and 2SLGBTQ+ individuals.
Program Expansion and Current Status
Currently, 14 schools have a full-time school resource officer, while six schools have one part-time. Some junior high schools have now adopted the program, but the division has stated it has no immediate plans to introduce police officers into elementary schools. This expansion marks a significant step in the program's reintroduction, which began after the review aimed at addressing equity issues.
Positive Feedback from Board Meeting
At a recent Tuesday board meeting, the program received praise from board chairman Saadiq Sumar, who highlighted positive early results from the first phase of evaluation. "We are seeing positive results," Sumar said, noting increased awareness about the role of school resource officers and positive feedback from school leadership. The meeting was attended by a full gallery of observers, reflecting community interest in the program's return.
Community Support and Personal Experiences
Sean Wright, a father of three and a graduate of Jasper Place Composite High School, spoke at the meeting about the program's benefits. "Do I think it was absolutely perfect? Probably not, and nothing is perfect. But I do think it was always a beneficial element," Wright said. He added that as a parent, he can feel the difference between schools with and without a school resource officer, emphasizing the program's role in safety and mentorship.
Evaluation Phases and Future Reporting
The first evaluation phase, conducted after three months of officers being back in schools, focused on assessing the readiness and preparation of schools for the program's reimplementation. Superintendent Ron Thompson committed to ongoing reporting, even after initial evaluations. The second phase, expected later, will delve into the program's impacts on individuals within the schools, ensuring a thorough review of its effectiveness and equity.
Historical Context and Reintroduction
Edmonton first introduced police in schools in 1979, but the program was paused during the review period. Guest speaker and longtime educator Rob Ennis recalled the day officers were removed, stating, "It was a cornerstone of our schools," and highlighting its historical role in providing safety and mentorship. The program's return has been met with applause, signaling a renewed commitment to balancing security with student well-being.
