Calgary police to review resource officers in schools

CALGARY (660 NEWS) – For 45 years Calgary police officers have been assigned to connect with kids in the classroom through the resource officer program.

But now the future of that program is up in the air.

Over 1,400 parents, teachers, and students have shared their thoughts about the program through consultations following last year’s public hearings on systemic racism in the city.

Councillor Gian Carlo-Carra said that advocates pointed to the problematic nature of having police in schools and systemic oppression and racism.

WATCH: Vancouver Police disappointed by school board vote to end liaison program

Vancouver Police disappointed by school board vote to end liaison program

Vancouver Police are disappointed by the Vancouver School Board’s vote to end the officer liaison program, calling it a “political move.” @KierJunos reports on the end of the 50-year-old police program.

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As a result of those hearings and the first phase of consultations, police are now reviewing the resource officer program.

The review is expected to wrap up by the end of the year.

Calgary is not the first major city in Canada to review its officers in schools.

On Monday, the Vancouver School Board voted to halt its officer liaison program after 50 years following a review last year, in the wake of the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) was disappointed by this news, calling it a “political move” and will result in a big gap in relationship building between officers, students and staff.

-With files from NEWS 1130, Vancouver