Posted on February 1, 2023
Statement from State Rep. Greg Howard, Ranking Member on the Public Safety & Security on legislation to replace School Resource Officers
“As I’ve always said, what works in our corner of the state, may not work in others; likewise, what doesn’t work there, may work here. Today, I am deeply disappointed to see my Stonington legislative colleague participate in a press conference that discourages police interaction with children, specifically in our schools. One only must-read Senate Bill 119 and see that its intent is to harm the positive relationships formed between today’s youth and law enforcement providing a closer connection with young people and school staff. Policymakers should be fostering more constructive ways to mentor our youth, not target effective ways that help.
For many years the cooperative relationship between Stonington Schools and Stonington Police has been to the exceptional benefit of our students. It is personally hurtful when I consider who I am and how hard I work for the betterment of all our kids to see a colleague’s participation in a message that insinuates that my work with children is to their detriment due to my full-time profession. I will continue to support the positive relationships and outcomes of the school/police relationship in Stonington as well as North Stonington and Ledyard.”