LORDSTOWN Officials discuss creating resource officer position

More discussions are planned.
By DENISE DICK
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
LORDSTOWN -- The school district and village are looking into creating the position of school resource officer.
Police Chief William Catlin said Becky Albrecht, school board president, called him recently inquiring about posting a police officer in Lordstown schools.
Catlin gave an overview of the program to school board members at a recent meeting, but no decisions were made.
The chief said future meetings would be conducted among school and village officials.
"Under the grant, the officer must spend 75 percent of his time in schools or school-related activities," Catlin said.
About the grant: Under a federal grant, up to $125,000 over three years is available for communities implementing the program. The grant covers 75 percent of the salary of an entry-level police officer the first year, 50 percent the second year and 25 percent the third.
The village would cover the remainder.
"The officer would help coordinate crime prevention programs and work with student programs," Catlin said.
"It's basically a mini police station in the schools."
Several area school districts use a school resource officer in their school buildings, including Niles and Howland.
"We're going to sit down and probably have another discussion and brainstorm with probably the mayor, the chairman of the safety committee and someone from the schools," Catlin said.
"It's something we're looking at for the future."