The idea seems like a good one; have police officers come into elementary schools to interact with children. The New Bedford chief thinks it will help improve relations between kids and cops
But some community leaders and city councillors are against the idea saying New Bedford can't afford to do this when the crime rate is up and the number of police on the street has already been reduced from budget cuts
One neighborhood crime watch leader insists "The problem isn't the kids in schools, it's the guys on the street."
Chief Ronald Teachman wants his officers to spend 20 minutes a week in school either reading to kids or hanging out with them. He tells southcoasttoday.com this could prevent students from dropping out of school and joining gangs
One city councillor says it's a good concept but the city can't afford it right now. He says those cops need to be on the street responding to calls, especially since the police department already disbanded its Gang Unit and Community Police Division
Do you think police officers spending time in elementary school for 20 minutes a week will make a difference. If the chief feels that strongly about it, why not restore school resource officers instead?
