In 1998, P.G. county assigned SRO's to local schools in an attempt to reduce violent crimes amongst youths. PGCPS also have security personnel with arrest powers. Security personnel ensures the safety of students, staff members and parents on a daily bais. They also serve as mentors, role models and guidance counselors. Security personnel interact with the students on a regular basis and most of the students have established a rapport with the Security personnel. In addition, staff members are able to contact Security personnel to de-escalate any issue that occur within the school. SRO's typically respond upon request. There is a time lapse which could be the deciding factor between life and death.

  PGCPS has decided to remove security personnel (with arrest powers) in attempt to modify the "school-to-prison pipeline". This decision appears to be based on personal opinions and not facts. Schools should have mental health programs implemented but not in exchange for our students and staff members safety. Most of the arrests mentioned by the board members appear to be non-custodial, meaning the student is not handcuffed. The number of arrests in comparison to the number of students present in various schools throughout the county appear to be minimal. With the removal of Security personnel, who will ensure the safety of the students and staff members? The teachers and staff members should not be responsible for performing Security personnel functions. 

  This decision should be re-evaluated and the Security personnel should remain in place with arrest powers. They were placed there for a reason with a specific mission in mind. To prevent crime amongst the youth and to guide our students to success. 

#SafetyIsAPriority

#StudentsLivesMatter

Signed-A concerned parent