This September, the Toronto District School Board launched the School Resource Officer (SRO) Initiative, a move recommended by the Report on School Safety released in January, 2008. This initiative will see uniformed officers posted in 36 schools, up from last year's 22 hosting schools, with the goal of providing a "frequent and regular presence" at schools across the city.

The objective of the program is to foster and develop positive relationships between students, staff, parents, and law enforcement. The SRO officers are trained in Secondary School Culture, Diversion Options, Intervention Strategies, and Safe and Caring Schools Programs. 

There is minimal debate among school board members, with a couple of representatives opposed to the permanent, uniformed presence of officers within the learning environment, and the public debate is even more intense. Only time will tell whether the SRO Initiative will have an effect on either the occurrence or resolution of safety violations within our schools, but already there have been a few serious violent incidents, including a shooting at Bendale Business and Technical Institute (where, incidentally, no officer was posted).  

The TDSB is taking other steps to improve school safety as well. Last year, the board launched a Student Safety Line, 416.395.SAFE (7233) where students can anonymously report personal or school safety concerns. They can also make a report online at www.tdsb.on.ca/safetyline. Students are encouraged to leave a message when they witness or experience "threats, suspicious activities, violence, physical assaults, weapons, intimidation, bullying, sexual harassment, or anything else that worries you."

What are your thoughts on the SRO Initiative?