- NEWSDAY.CO.TT - A la Une - 23/Aug 18:54

95 SRPs to tackle school violence

A GROUP of 95 special reserve police officers (SRPs) will be assigned to schools deemed as high-risk to deal with school violence there. This was announced during a graduation ceremony for 244 SRPs at the Marabella South Secondary School on August 22. [caption id="attachment_1173940" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Special Reserve Police (SRP) Officers take their oath of office during a ceremony on August 22 at the Marabella South Secondary School Auditorium. - Photo courtesy Trinidad and Tobago Police Service[/caption] In a news release on August 23, the TT Police Service said these SRPs will strengthen its ranks at a time when the demand for police visibility and accessibility is at its highest. At the ceremony, Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander said deploying SRPs to schools to curb violence there is an important initiative. He said the presence of officers on school compounds is not only about maintaining law and order but also about “guiding, protecting, and inspiring” the nation’s youth. [caption id="attachment_1173942" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro congratulates one of the graduates. -[/caption] Alexander encouraged the officers to embrace their new roles as guardians of safety, as well as mentors and role models. Commissioner of Police Allister Guevarro reminded the SRPs to serve with integrity, fairness and discipline. Rural Development and Local Government Minister Khadijah Ameen advised SRPs not to abuse their newly-attained power and to use discretion when representing the state. “This is a badge of service, not the badge of a badjohn.”   The post 95 SRPs to tackle school violence appeared first on Trinidad and Tobago Newsday.