THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, September 7, 1996 TAG: 9609060016
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A14 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: 26 lines
I found Matthew Bower's article ``Preventive Policing'' (Aug. 30, MetroNews) very interesting. I am sure the Virginia Beach schools, staff and students will profit from the presence of school resource officers, as ours have.
The Arlington School Resource Police Program was begun in 1969, using a program in Flint, Mich., as a model. At that time the police officers did not usually wear uniforms. One of the primary reasons was the belief that the kids would relate to them easier. Also, they were considered a part of the school's administrative team along with counselors, assistant principals, etc.
Chief Stover of the Arlington Police Department and I are the only old war horses still around who were here at the beginning of our program.
It continues to work extremely well and the resource officers are a vital part of our community school system.
HENRY D. GARDNER
Assistant superintendent for personnel
Arlington public schools
Arlington, Sept. 3, 1996 by CNB