UHS hires full-time officer

With events that happened Monday, February 4th, 2019, a decision has been made by the school board to hire a plainclothes officer to working inside of Urbana High School full-time.

Kyle Moody, freshman believes that this is a good idea, but that “it won’t change much.”

Nathan Chevalier and Charles Carroll, seniors, are against this hiring because “it costs way too much money.”

Adults at UHS, however, have a different view.

“Hiring a new [officer] will make students feel more safe. It may also help parents and other stakeholders to have a sense of security for the students,” says Lorence Reid, Student Interventionist.

The officer in charge will vary depending on scheduling, as according to Sgt. Matt Bain. Bain believes “It is important in these days of times to keep the students safe and to have a positive interaction with students.”

Reid also states that “the media is showing UHS in a negative light, [with a new officer] it might ease it.”

Bain does say that the “main focus is on the high school, but they can respond to the middle school if needed”

The new officer started on Monday, February 11th and has taken over the previous School Resource Officer (SRO) position.