New School Security Unit Launched By Westport Police Department

WESTPORT, CT — On Monday, the Westport Police Department will launch a new School Security Unit, consisting of one Sergeant, one School Resource Officer, and three School Security Officers, authorities announced.

The new unit was created in partnership with the Westport Board of Education, following years of research and planning by the department.

According to Schools Superintendent Thomas Scarice, the School Security Officers "will be assigned to patrol our school campuses, school grounds, and assist with traffic, pedestrian, and overall safety measures."

Scarice added, "SSOs will be invited in our schools by building administrators when necessary. Above all, the additional officers will significantly increase response time in the event of an emergency, a critical strategy in school security."

Earlier this week, the Representative Town Meeting unanimously approved the appropriation to add three new officers to the force to allow for veteran officers to be shifted to the new unit.

"It is only because of the collaboration and forward-thinking of our local government, board of education, community members, elected officials, parents, teachers, students, and staff that we were able to accomplish this goal," said Police Chief Foti Koskinas in a statement.

The current SRO, Officer Ed Wooldridge, will continue his assignment at Staples High School while the SSOs will be spread amongst the remaining schools in a campus model.

From the police department's announcement:

Officer Sean Kelley will be promoted to Sergeant in the near future, and he will be the unit
supervisor. Officer Kelley was hired by the Westport Police Department in December of 2000 and has served as a Detective in the Youth Division. He will be assigned to Bedford Middle School.

Officer Dennis Broderick will be assigned to the Coleytown Campus which includes Coleytown
Elementary School and Coleytown Middle School. Officer Broderick was hired in September of 2022 after retiring as a Sergeant with the Milford Police Department. While employed by Milford, Officer Broderick spent over half of his twenty-year career assigned to the Detective Bureau.

Corporal Rachel Hall will be assigned to the Saugatuck Campus which includes Saugatuck Elementary School and Kings Highway Elementary School. Corporal Hall was hired in March of 2016 after beginning her career with the Ridgefield Police Department. Corporal Hall is a
member of the Marine Unit, Motorcycle Unit, Drone Unit, and served as a Desk Officer.

Officer Edward “Ned” Batlin will be assigned to the Long Lots Campus which includes Long Lots Elementary School and Greens Farms Elementary School. Officer Batlin was hired in December of 2001 and was the D.A.R.E. Officer for many years. In addition to his responsibilities here at the Police Department, Officer Batlin is very active with local sports at the high school level and with Westport PAL.

Although the SSO’s will primarily remain outside of the schools, they will work directly with school administrators as needed. In addition to providing enhanced security, they will also focus on traffic enforcement and safety concerns related to student drop off and pick-up.

Additionally, the campus model will certainly improve response times to calls for service in an
emergency situation. Superintendent of Schools Tom Scarice stated, “The collaboration between the Westport Public Schools and the Westport Police Department is exemplary. As Superintendent, I welcome a consistent presence around our grounds, driveways, parking lots, and campuses. Additionally, these added resources will ensure a rapid response in the event of an emergency, this is among the highest of my priorities in fostering a safe school environment."

First Selectwoman Jen Tooker added, “Westport has a long history of prioritizing our kids and our schools. This is yet another great example of the Town and the Westport Public Schools working together to make this a safe and welcoming community for all.”

Corporal Rachel Hall (photo taken before she was married)

Officer Edward "Ned" Batlin

Officer Dennis Broderick

Officer Sean Kelley (soon to be promoted to sergeant)

Officer Ed Wooldridge