Argos officials are working together to secure the safety of students in the community. When Argos Town Council member met last Wednesday, they collaborated with School Superintendent Ned Speicher and Police Chief Corey Bowman about hiring a School Resource Officer or SRO.
Clerk-Treasurer Lisa Mullaney said that Superintendent Speicher came before the council, seeking for a verbal confirmation from the members about their willingness to help finance the SRO.
Mulaney explained, “The School is willing to cover so much of the officer’s pay for the year and they are hoping to do that with a Homeland Security Grant.” She continued, “That grant is matched by the school so as much as they get for the grant the school has to match 50 percent. Then the Town would pick up the balance of the officer’s pay for the year.”
Town Council members confirmed that they’d cover the cost of the remainder of the officer’s pay. Mullaney noted that one of the existing officers on the force will likely be moved to the SRO position.
Police and School officials still need to meet to work out a contract that will define the specific responsibilities for this dual purpose officer. The School will set the hours for the months that officer would work for them and the Police Department would determine the officer’s schedule for the remainder of the year.
Clerk-Treasurer Mullaney stated that they’re hoping the SRO will be able to start working at the school after Christmas Break, but nothing has been finalized at this time.
On a related note, Town Council members also gave Chief Bowman permission to hire two new police officers.
The Chief was already in the process of hiring somebody to replace an officer who was let go from the force. During Wednesday’s meeting, council members told him to extend the hiring process and select another candidate from the list of eligible applicants. The sixth officer would fill in for whoever takes on the SRO position.
Mullaney mentioned that during the school year, the Argos Police Department would have their typical force of five officers. Then when school is not in session, the SRO would return to the Town’s force to provide additional assistance.
