MORE POLICE IN SCHOOLS

The Cape Girardeau Police Department is hoping to build on its successful school resource program. A police officer has been assigned to Schultz School and will also work with the district's elementary schools as a positive role model.

Cape Girardeau has had a resource police officer at the high school since 1997. Cpl. Barry Hovis also works at the junior high and has done an admirable job. He routinely receives high marks from both students and staff.

The aim is not to arrest more students at school. It is to show a positive side to law enforcement and hopefully spot problems before they get out of hand. School resource officers conduct classroom presentations, coordinate group discussions and teach crime prevention to staff and faculty. Hovis has also been a key player in developing an emergency-response plan to improve safety and security in the district.

But if fights or threats do occur at school, the presence of a police officer on campus provides greater peace of mind to students and staff. And a police officer on school grounds may help students think twice about bringing drugs or weapons to campus.

The new school officer, Patrolman Rob Barker, may also have special insight into school life. His wife is a special-education teacher for third and fourth graders at East Prairie School. He seems a good choice.

The police resource program has worked well for Cape Girardeau schools. This expansion marks another proactive step on the part of the district and police to keep schools safe.