Port Arthur school board votes to bring back district’s police department
PORT ARTHUR, Texas June 29 2019— The Port Arthur school board voted unanimously Thursday to bring back a police department for the district.
Alton Baise will serve as the new chief of police for the Port Arthur Independent School District starting next year.
It’s a decision the district is excited about.
The decision will make way for a police department that will work exclusively for the district.
“We had it before, and we think it’s time to get it back going again,” School Board President Brandon Bartie said.
In the fall semester, the hope is to increase the security presence around every school in the district, to help keep students as protected as possible.
Thursday, they announced who would be heading the department.
“Alton Baise is the guy for the job and will be the chief of police for Port Arthur ISD. He has the relationship to different entities in the city and also in the county. We’re looking very forward to him starting the job real soon,” Bartie said.
It’s a decision Port Arthur Police Chief Tim Duriso backs 100 percent.
“The superintendent and the school board decided that they wanted to protect the kids in Port Arthur, and they chose an excellent chief of police. We’re going to assist them in every possible way, whatever they need we’re going to be right behind them,” Duriso said.
With the help of Port Arthur police and some assistance from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.
Port Arthur ISD will do their best to protect the kids in their school for many years to come. The district said the new department does have many of their positions already filled.
12News
