New Police Resource Officer Program To Enhance School Security

SOUTHOLD, NY — With an eye toward school security, Southold Town Police have announced the formation of a new school resource officer program.

According to Southold Town Police Chief Martin Flatley, the unit will consist of three school resource officers, including two police officers and a sergeant, who will be assigned to enhance the current security in place in all of all school districts in town — as well as bring various educational programs into the school classrooms.

"Parents should be aware that the presence of marked police vehicles at their schools will most likely mean the SROs are fulfilling the role of having a greater police presence on the campuses," Flatley said. "This program represents the Town of Southold's commitment to working with the Southold Town school districts to create a safe environment for our children to thrive in."

David Gamberg, superintendent of both the Southold and Greenport school districts, applauded the initiative. "We’re excited to start the school year. We met with the Chief of Police today to meet the new school resource officers. I think I speak on behalf of both learning communities, Southold and Greenport, that we very much welcome the additional support from our local Southold Police Department," he said. "We will continue to collaborate and work hand in hand to promote our shared objective to keep our school campuses safe."

Southold Town Supervisor Scott Russell said, of the new program, "I think it will be well received by the parents."

Patch file photos by Lisa Finn.