Federal safe schools program hosted by Belleville PD at BHS

By Rosemary K. Otzman
Independent Editor
The Belleville Police Department hosted a Partnership for Safe Schools program put on for law enforcement agencies, schools and other juvenile justice agencies on Tuesday and Wednesday at Belleville High School.
The two-day workshop was designed to prepare diverse teams of juvenile justice stakeholders to implement or strengthen school safety plans that enhance the protection of students, teachers, and the surrounding community.
Through interactive discussions, case study exercises, and individualized action planning, participants obtain practice skills they can apply immediately on the job.
The workshop, offered without charge to participants, was sponsored by the International Association of Chiefs of Police and the Office of Juvenile Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice, and was co-hosted by the Belleville Police Department.
Retired Belleville Police Chief Gene Taylor had been working through the Department of Homeland Security to get this program locally and it originally was set for last year. But then the federal sequestration cuts hit and money was cut for this program.
Chief Taylor said they told him they would put Belleville at the top of the list when funds were available.
Chief Taylor said he repeatedly dropped by the Homeland Security office to remind them that Belleville Police were waiting to host the specialized training. He said last week he was told registration for the workshop was full.
Topics covered included: Developing a school safety team, assessing the safety of your school, developing prevention and intervention strategies, analyzing your school safety plan, and preparing for, responding to, and recovering from a crisis.
The course offered Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards credit.