COPS COULD BE COMING TO MORE SCHOOLS IN COUNTY

White County has been awarded $283,374 from the U.S. Department of
Justice Cops in Schools (CIS) program for a partnership between law
enforcement and schools or community organizations, according to the
offices of U.S. Senators Blanche Lincoln and Tim Hutchinson.

Although some officials expressed enthusiasm over the news, others
cautioned that the current financial crisis could make acceptance of
the terms of the grant a problem.

Sheriff Pat Garrett said that three schools have agreed to pay half of
the salaries for three officers to be located in the schools and the
grant would fund the rest of the amount. The schools which have agreed
to participate are McRae, White County Central, and Riverview, Garrett
said.

"It's a fantastic program," Garrett told The Daily Citizen. "The
county has never had this. And, I am hoping that we are able to work
this out. I think that it will help the schools tremendously. I feel
like with the presence of law enforcement at the schools - it will
deter crime, violence or drugs."

Garrett said that he and Chief Deputy Wayne Black will present the CIS
program to the next Quorum Court meeting for approval.

Garrett further said, "I see first hand how this works. The counties
have never had it. And, I can see the benefits in Searcy. You know,
you are talking about our children here."

Ronny Brown, principal of Searcy High School, said their officer at
the school has been a real asset.

"He controls the traffic in the morning and patrols in the afternoon,"
Brown said. "He is out with the students during every class break, and
in the cafeteria during lunch. He is in charge of the security cameras
and reviews them constantly. He deals with all accidents, thefts and
vandalisms. He is at the majority of our home games and periodically
visits and gives talks to our classes on drug education and safety
among other things."

Brown further said that SHS has 1,000 students, 70 teachers and 25
staff. "Having the presence of the SPD is a tremendous asset. I feel
like it deters a lot, having him here," he said.

However, some county officials, such as County Treasurer Waylon
Heathscott, are concerned that budget constraints could make the terms
of the grant a problem later.

"I called Washington to get the information on this CIS program,"
Heathscott said. "For the first three years - it will be no cost to
us. They will fund it. On the fourth year though, we'll have to pay
for it. I'm sure that it is a very good program. However, what
position will the county be in on the fourth year? I'm sure that we'll
be in a tight fix - like now."

Justice of the Peace George "Bud" Osborn and chairman of the budget
committee said, "This will have to be discussed with the full court. I
don't think that we're in a position to accept it. But it will be left
up to the court to approve. It's a good thing. We just have to look at
it real close. If the state doesn't pay us that $165,000 they owe us
for housing prisoners, we sure cannot pay it. I wish that we were in
better financial shape to accept it."

White County Judge Bob Parish said that he had not seen the details of
the grant. The problem, he said, like others have said, are what to do
on the fourth year.

"Can we assume the cost of the program then?" Parish asked. "If we had
money in county general it would be okay."

The final word on the grant will have to come from the quorum court
whenever the matter is put before it.