HAWAIʻI COUNTY RAMPS UP SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER EFFORTS
HAWAIʻI COUNTY RAMPS UP SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER EFFORTS
As part of Hawaiʻi County’s dedication to protecting our keiki and the community, Hawai‘i Police Department (HPD) has ramped up its Student Resource Officer (SRO) efforts by adding an officer at Hilo Intermediate School, and amplifying student outreach after reports of increased violence was shared by community members. The SROs are part of the Department’s Community Policing program, comprised of 39 officers islandwide, including eight School Resource Officers (SRO) who are explicitly assigned to schools.
“Protecting our keiki and ensuring that they can feel safe and secure in their home, at school, and on our island is of the utmost importance to our administration,” said Mayor Mitch Roth. “We commend the parents who had the courage to bring this to our attention and Chief Moskowitz for his willingness to work quickly to address some of the issues. We will continue to search for ways to improve safety as a whole throughout our community, and mahalo those who continue to choose aloha.”
The County’s Community Policing Officers maintain constant communication with community and neighborhood organizations and business leaders to address criminal, traffic, and safety issues. Community Policing Officers and SROs constantly work to bring together government and private agencies with community and business groups to pursue the mission of safe schools, neighborhoods, and communities. Additionally, SROs guide students on ethical issues, mentor students and act as a resource for delinquency prevention.
One of the SROs assigned to Hilo Intermediate School was recently promoted, leaving the spot vacant. When HPD received the recent report about violence at the school, Mayor Roth and Chief Moscowicz immediately worked with school officials to provide a multi-level approach to address school safety.
Starting this week, the Department sent an officer to work at Hilo Intermediate School full-time for the remainder of the school year and is working to ensure a dedicated SRO will be assigned to the school starting in the fall.
Community Policing Officers were also sent to campus this week to talk to students and share a “Choose Aloha” presentation.
Parents and community members have also been engaged.
