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WSS Parent Advisory Council supports police presence in school

Whistler Secondary School’s Parent Advisory Council has written to the municipality supporting the introduction of a school liaison police officer. The new RCMP policing position would be fully funded by the resort and, said Const.

Whistler Secondary School’s Parent Advisory Council has written to the municipality supporting the introduction of a school liaison police officer.

The new RCMP policing position would be fully funded by the resort and, said Const. Michelle Nesbitt, would likely be staffed in 2005.

Myrtle Philip’s PAC also supports the idea and passed a motion to write to the municipality at last week’s monthly get together.

Nesbitt told parents that there are many positive outcomes from having a full-time police officer assigned to the school.

Not only can trouble be nipped in the bud, kids can learn that police officers are also "human beings" just doing a job.

She said concerns have been expressed about having a gun in the school.

But, said Nesbitt, curiosity over the weapon fades after a few days and, "I don’t tolerate jokes about it."

"They get used to it and it ceases to be an issue."

As for arresting youths in school Nesbitt explained that she must try and find other methods to deal with delinquency rather than court, providing the crime committed isn’t violent.

"For the most part we are encouraging and obligated by law to pursue other kinds of punishments," said Nesbitt.

"We want to look at whatever offers the best chance for that kid to be rehabilitated."

All educational stakeholders must be on board with the idea if the position is to be created.

Nesbitt hopes to address the Spring Creek PAC soon.