Chief Seeks Cops in Barrington Schools

The Barrington Police Department’s proposed budget for next fiscal year will include a request for at least one full-time police resource officer in the schools, according to Police Chief John LaCross.

“I’m hoping it is approved,” said LaCross in a story on eastbayri.com. “I’m hoping consideration is given to it … at least one position.”

LaCross has attempted to get federal grants to pay for a resource officer in past years without success. This year the police chief said he will look for financial support from Barrington Town Manager Peter DeAngelis Jr. and the Committee on Appropriations, according to eastbayri.com.

Each resource officer would cost about $80,000 in salary and benefits, LaCross estimated. The resource officers would help to improve security at the schools while also helping to curb underage drinking and other similar activities. 

“It’s about a lot more than just an officer being there with a gun,” he said. “There are a lot of positives that come with that position.”