Columbus Police ‘abolished’ school resource officers following end of contract
COLUMBUS, Ohio July 8 2020 Columbus Division of Police has “abolished” school resource officers following the end of its contract with Columbus City Schools, the city confirms.
According to Columbus Director of Media Relations Robin Davis, Columbus Police Chief Thomas Quinlan abolished school resource officers.
Columbus City Schools’ three-year contract with Columbus Police expired on June 30. The district had recently planned to create a School Safe Working Group to analyze the district’s use of school resource officers and possible removal.
The city said Quinlan provided 70-day notices to 20 high school resource officers and two sergeants.
“I have the duty to ensure proper distribution of personnel and without a contract in place, I am required to assign the officers to a position that is operational and essential,” Quinlan said.
Former school resource officers with Columbus Police are previously called the plans of the Columbus City School Board appalling.
Former school resource officers with Columbus Police are calling the demands of the Columbus City School Board appalling. The board plans to create a School Safe Working Group at its meeting Tuesday. The new working group will analyze the district’s use of school resource officers and possible removal.
“It’s hard for me to wrap my head around why you wouldn’t want police in schools so they’re on your front lines to protect our most precious asset,” said Officer Jeff Simpson, Executive Vice President of the Fraternal Order of Police, Capital City Lodge #9.
Officer Simpson worked as a child abuse detective for eight years.
Supporters of removing school resource officers said change is needed.
“This is how the system was built,” said Whetstone High School graduate Rahma Abdullahi. “To prey on black and brown kids at school because most times they’re seen at the criminal ones.”
Abdullahi was one of 238 individuals who contacted the school board to express interest in becoming part of the group. The district sent each individual a survey asking their qualifications, relationship with Columbus City Schools, and reason for wanting to get involved.
Columbus Police has a separate 1-year contract with Worthington City Schools. Police said one officer will remain at Worthington Kilbourne High School.
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