New Bedford Seeks Input on Police Officers in Schools

The New Bedford Public Schools hosted a series of online conversations in October to gather input on the district's School Resource Officer program, and the effort continued in November with another public session.

Now two working groups will be formed to continue to evaluate the topic of police officers in the city schools. Group One will review existing SRO models in other districts, including those that have removed such programs. Group Two will engage in data analysis, including information collected throughout the review process, according to a media release from the district.

“The intent is to ensure this is a very inclusive process," said Superintendent Thomas Anderson.

The NAACP New Bedford Branch, New Bedford Coalition to Save Our Schools, and United Interfaith Action of Southeastern Massachusetts are among stakeholder groups to express their views, the media release said. Attendees also heard from parents, educators, members of the New Bedford School Committee and New Bedford Police Department.

New Bedford residents interested in joining a working group should indicate their interest by visiting www.newbedfordschools.org and completing a SRO Working Groups Sign-Up Form by November 30. The form is available in four languages:

English:                 https://forms.gle/Z1JdE6yrTsWorT6E7

Spanish:               https://forms.gle/vBgbJFebGmjSZLNRA

Portuguese:       https://forms.gle/rnSHSEgQrdb6EzzS7

K’iche:                  https://forms.gle/fouuHtk3Lpa44EBh8