Police chief ’s advice to SD61 board

Victoria Police Chief Del Manak’s advice to the Greater Victoria School Board to reinstate the police liaison program is very good advice. It is shocking to me that this board made the decision to cut this program out of concern that some Black and Indigenous students might be uncomfortable with police presence in their schools. The only students, of whatever ethnic group, who might be uncomfortable are those who are doing illegal or unethical actions.

I’m writing from the perspective of a retired teacher who taught for decades in Vancouver secondary schools, including alternative schools where some students did have uncomfortable relations with the police. These were students who were law breakers. But most secondary students are law abiding and appreciate knowing that there is someone around who will have their backs if they get cornered by such people as recruiters for gangs of street-drug dealers.

Most teachers also feel safer knowing that there are trained police officers nearby who know the culture of the school and who have made relationships with many of the students, especially the vulnerable. From my years of teaching in secondary schools, I know that there are some teenagers of every ethnic group who are attracted to walking “on the edge” and need intervention.

I support Manak’s appeal to School District 61’s board, and commend the parents who have organized their appeal as well. I believe that this board has good leadership and will respond to these appeals.

Starla Anderson, Ed.D. Victoria