00:00Police officers have long been working with the nation's schools under different programs.
00:05The TDPR says the new school-oriented policing initiative is another one added to the list
00:10in order to provide support for staff and students at schools in areas deemed high-risk.
00:16Deputy Commissioner of Police in Charge of Operations Junior Benjamin says
00:19it is aimed at giving lectures, making referrals, promoting positive behavior,
00:24instilling law and order, and keeping all occupants of these schools safe.
00:29We have at least 50 schools, 50 schools that would have police officers,
00:3710, a further 10 of the secondary schools would be schools where we have a roving,
00:44that roving system where police officers would be going to those schools,
00:49and also, in addition, a further 10 schools would have, from the primary schools,
00:55that would have that roving system.
00:56According to Benjamin, officers would be going to those schools
01:00and speaking with the principals twice daily.
01:03The schools which are receiving roving police support do not have officers stationed inside.
01:08The TDPR says the Education Ministry will continue to assess the situation
01:12in terms of adding schools to the list and otherwise.
01:16And while placing armed police officers in the nation's schools is a contentious topic to some,
01:21DCP Benjamin is seeking to add clarity.
01:24These officers are trained and we understand, again, I want us to appreciate the whole idea
01:31of the firearms in school, again, we must appreciate it is there to ensure the safety
01:38and security of the students, the teachers, as well as visitors.
01:43And only, it is one that is only going to be used when a person's life is in danger,
01:50and we want to ensure that our police officers, at any time, if they are called upon,
01:56that they would have the necessary tools to defend themselves and the lives of others.
02:01I want that to be absolutely clear.
02:02The TDPR says these officers have a range of responsibilities,
02:07including maintaining confidentiality and records, responding to emergencies,
02:12monitoring behavior on the school compound, patrolling off-premises,
02:16mentoring students, and communicating with parents when necessary.
02:20Alicia Boucher, TV6 News.
02:23Alicia Boucher, TV6 News.
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