School safety is an increasing concern in schools across America, and Harrison is facing this head on. Many schools have a security officer to help assure safety. Our school’s SRO (School Resource Officer) is Officer Canada. In case you might not know who Officer Canada is, he has been a police officer for 35 years, been certified as a school resource officer since 2016, and has been recently added to the district staff to help assure our safety and the schools! Canada states “My experience is really what makes me good at my job and what I do.” Listen as we dive more into Officer Canada, his experiences, and all he does for our school and the city of Harrison.
As of this year, we have had many security system upgrades added to the building. This year we have a new program. Previously you could walk in through the doors to the lobby with/without a key, but now there’s a box outside the door with a push button intercom that to identify yourself to the office secretaries prior to walking in the building. Officer Canada thinks it’s important for everybody to understand the safety procedures–especially teachers, students and parents. He states, “It’s important that you understand those procedures because when it comes down to it, knowing those procedures, it can save your life, if something were to ever happen. You have to be observant. For example, if people come in with a backpack, such as a visitor, you don’t know what’s in that backpack, so we might ask what’s in your backpack and then ask to check it physically. And once you let your guard down, that is usually when things start to happen. You always have to be really observant of your surroundings and how people act.” It is very important to understand how our school security works, the signs and steps of a threat, how safe everyone is at all times, and where everyone is. This information is so important and critical for your safety and everyone else’s.
Officer Canada’s job isn’t necessarily to deal with bad behavior unless it’s something that’s considered criminal such as: possession of drugs, possession of a weapon, or even something physical such as a fight. Officer Canada has spent 10 years in Caicos and used a lot of surveillance equipment there. In order for Officer Canada to stay informed, he does a lot of training online. This year, he has completed over forty hours of training.
In addition to being well trained, Officer Canada is a very kind person and treats everyone as his own. He says “You have to be polite. Treat people how you would want to be treated, and be kind to others.” If that doesn’t sum up our Officer Canada, nothing will. Make sure to thank Officer Canada, as well as any other staff in the building for all they do for you. You never know what the staff does within and beyond the hours of a school day to benefit you!
