MORE OFFICERS NEEDED IN SCHOOLS

Richmond RCMP want to provide a greater presence in local schools by
increasing the number of liaison officers from six to 11, the Richmond
School District's education committee heard Monday.

"They're absolutely crucial in providing pro-active as opposed to reactive
assistance in schools," said trustee Chris Evans, an appointee to the
committee.

An increased police presence would mean more contact with both students and
teachers to establish trust and more direct educational work with students,
such as in the dangers of drugs. Evans added she and the committee's chair,
trustee Chak Au, support the initiative.

"Now they spend a lot of travel time between different (school) sites and
less on the job.

The six officers currently move between the district's 10 secondary and 42
elementary schools.

"They're stretched real thin when they only have one liaison officer for a
couple of schools."

The recommendation will be presented at Monday's school board meeting.