School safety is paramount to our goal

by Chief Johnnie Torres, Jr.

Well, another summer has come and gone and I’m proud, as well as grateful, that it passed with no major criminal incidents. However, the absence of major crime in our community will not preclude us here at the Stockbridge Police Department from continuing to train and prepare for those incidents that shake the foundation of a community; most notably school violence.

The SPD and the Stockbridge Community School District remain committed to providing a safe environment where students can learn and educators can instruct the future leaders of the world. To that end, Officer Tony Coln will be attending a weeklong school liaison officer session put on by the Michigan State Police called T.E.A.M. (Teaching, Educating, and Mentoring ). T.E.A.M.-trained police officers complete a 40-hour training program that introduces them to more than 30 lesson plans they will be able to present in their communities.

The newest T.E.A.M. curriculum lesson plan introduces students to the importance of “Homeland Security” and their role in “Family Preparedness.” In addition to learning the curriculum, officers receive training from content experts in student and juvenile psychology, classroom management, bullying and harassment, and school security issues.

The fee for this training is expensive but worth every penny. SCS Superintendent Karl Heidrich agreed to pay the fee for this training, showing his commitment level to school safety and his willingness to collaborate with the SPD to ensure the safety of students and staff. The SPD also participated in an “active shooter” scenario in July put on by the Mason Police Department so that we can continue to ready ourselves for a possible threat to our schools.

So, as you prepare to get back to the day-to-day grind of work and school that the fall season brings, take solace in the fact that there is work being done specifically generated toward school safety, which is paramount to me, this department and this school administration.
Stay vigilant, stay safe.

Chief Torres

Chief Torres, a native of Flint, joined the Stockbridge Police Department in 2009 and became its chief in 2011. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan-Flint and is married with two adult children.