School Board focuses on establishing CCPS Police Department

The Christian County School Board made strides toward establishing a school district police force at their Thursday meeting.

Before discussing campus law enforcement, the board spotlighted and presented awards to the Senior Student Superintendent Advisory Council ahead of May’s graduation ceremonies.

Board members approved the establishment of a school resource officer job description. SROs will be responsible for building security, enforcing laws, investigating crimes, preventing criminal activity and protecting lives on campuses.

School Safety and Security Chief, Michael Seis says it’s his vision for SROs to treat each school like they would a city and to become a part of that school’s community.

Applicants will have to be certified through the Kentucky Law Enforcement Council and the Kentucky Peace Officers Professional Standards.

When it comes to responding to crimes and conducting investigations, Seis says the school’s police force has partnerships with the Hopkinsville Police Department and the Christian County Sheriff’s Office and can call on them if needed.

Board members then approved the CCPS Police Policy Manual which outlines the SRO regulations. Seis says it’s also their reasonability to make sure students are safe outside of school grounds. For example, if a student walking home is involved in an incident requiring law enforcement, Seis says an SRO can respond to the scene.

The board then approved an agreement with the sheriff’s office that would allow the school’s police force to maintain their authority at school events that may be off campus.

Photo courtesy of CCPS Communications Director Johnna Brown