11 MORE POLICE TO GO TO SCHOOLS

At least 11 more police officers will patrol classrooms and school
hallways across the state next year, including one at Stonewall
Jackson Middle School.

Their salaries and equipment will be paid with more than $360,000 in
state money,

Prevention Resource officers, local law enforcement officers who work
full-time in schools, help counsel students against drug use and
bullying. They also help school administrators keep peace in the halls.

Already the state has 38 officers in 18 counties, according to April
Dickenson, a spokeswoman for the state Division of Criminal Justice
Services. She said they've helped prevent 38 violent incidents since
2000, such as bomb threats, potential shootings and explosions.
State officials could not provide specifics of any situations.

As many as 42 officers have been in schools in previous years. The
officers must work 35 hours in schools and maintain an office in the
building.

"It is an opportunity to allow young people to witness a positive
role model," said Karen Nowviskie, a spokeswoman for Putnam County
schools. Two schools there -- Winfield and Buffalo high schools --
should receive officers next year.

She said students could become more comfortable with the authority of
a uniformed officer when one patrols the halls regularly.

Officers also have been at Hurricane and Poca high schools, she
said.

City and county governing bodies and schools can apply for the grants
through the Justice Assistance Grant Program. Many of the schools
that receive officers are in outlying areas.

Dean Lee, state coordinator for safe and drug-free schools, said the
officers can help thwart potential violent situations, but could not
provide specific data on if and when that has occurred in the state.
No one from Criminal Justice Services could either.

"PROs add an element of society law enforcement on a campus, and that
creates a more structured school environment that's more conducive for
learning," Lee said.

Officers, who must attend training before entering schools, are
permitted to carry firearms. They also can write tickets for underage
tobacco use and even assault.

Although the officers do not handle discipline, Brad Fittro, a vice
principal at Robert L. Bland Middle School in Weston, said they do
help quell disciplinary problems.

The officer in that school also works with administrators to help them
determine if legal action can be taken in situations. Fittro said that
firsthand experience is helpful.

"Students have somebody they feel they can go to," Fittro
said.

Besides Stonewall, Winfield and Buffalo, the new officers will be
stationed in Ripley High School; Lewis County High School; Robert L.
Bland Middle School; Moundsville Junior High School; Wheeling Park
High School; Triadelphia Middle School; Frankfort High School; Ritchie
County Middle/High School in Ellenboro; Oak Glen Middle School in New
Cumberland; and Jefferson High School in Shenandoah Junction.