NEW POLICE LIAISONS BEGIN TOMORROW: Two will focus on high schools, while the third will circulate in the middle and elementary schools

Taylor Police Department liaisons start duty in the Taylor School District tomorrow, Monday, March 30.

Cpls. Rosanna Hopper, Frank Canning and Paul O’Connor will make up the new detail. Cpl. Hopper will be focused on Hoover and West middle schools, along with all eight elementary schools, while Cpl. Canning will be assigned by Kennedy High School and Cpl. O’Conner will work at Truman High School.

Working upon the recommendations of Mayor Rick Sollars and Police Chief Mary Sclabassi, City Council approved acceptance of a federal COPS grant to fund new three positions in the police department. Those funds freed up Hopper, Canning and O’Connor to accept the liaison positions. The trio trained in Indiana for the assignment, going through the NASRO (National Association of School Resource Officers) training. 

This is Canning’s second go-around with the school liaison program, because he was a member before it was discontinued years ago due to budget problems. O’Connor has 17 years on the TPD and was last year’s Officer of the Year.

The officers met last Friday with administrative staff and principals from throughout the district. Based on the reaction they received at the meeting, educators are looking forward to working with the officials on a daily basis.

“We are looking forward to having liaison officers back in our schools,” said Supt. Diane Allen. “It has been years since they have worked with us on a daily basis. As in the past, we are looking forward to the positive influence that these officers will have on our students. One of our highest priorities is providing a safe and orderly learning environment by keeping our schools weapon and drug free.  The presence of liaison officers will help our staff meet that goal.”

“This is the type of issue where the City can really help the school district,” Mayor Sollars said. “I believe a police liaison program in the schools can help in many, many different ways, from important safety to communication points to just creating relationships between our police department and our community’s youth.”