Removal of Officers from Peel Schools is finalized

BY PAUL JUNOR

The School Resource Officer (SRO) program has been a significant part of Peel schools for the past twenty years. The SRO program, which involves the presence of Peel Regional Police in schools, has been heavily criticized and attacked over the years. It has been announced that the program will come to an end.

PRP released a statement on Wednesday, November 18th, 2020 titled, “Dissolution of the School Resource Officer (SRO) program” which revealed that after a pause of the program, “The program had not changed over twenty years, and therefore required significant review.”

The statement notes that, “While there was support for the SRO program, there are also long-standing concerns about systemic racism and the disproportionately punitive effects of this type of traditional programming can produce.”

There have been many community groups that have expressed opposition to this SRO program. Parents of Black Children (POBC), an advocacy and community group, have been highly critical as well as the Toronto Youth Council (TYC).

Peel Regional Police decided to conduct a review of the program with an emphasis on police and their encounter with students. This led to the formation of a community-facing committee that worked alongside PRP to obtain first-hand information from those who are directly impacted in these communities. The released statement observes, “It was evident during the consultation phase that the current SRO program has caused a negative impact on segments of our student population. As a result, the first order of business was to dissolve the SRO program and acknowledge publicly that change was necessary.”

Mississauga News reported that Peel District School Board (PDSB) is supportive of the dissolution of the SRO program. In a statement on its website, interim director of PDSB, Colleen Russel-Rawlin wrote, “Peel Regional Police’s decision to dissolve the SRO program is a necessary change to disrupt systemic racism in our school communities. Collaboratively, with students, their families, trusted community partners and staff, we commit to creating learning spaces where all young people feel safe and respected.”

In addition, the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board (DPCDSB) has shown similar approval for the termination of the SRO program. Spokesperson for the DPCDSB, Bruce Campbell states, “DPCDSB supported the pause of the Peel Regional Police School Resource Officer program and actively participated in the subsequent consultation process. DPCDSB will continue to advocate in all manners to ensure environments that are safe, welcoming and inclusive for all students.”

The dissolution of the SRO program does not preclude PRP from working with the community. The statement notes, “We are committed to action and working in partnership with the community to effect much-needed change. Based on recommendations made by those most negatively impacted by this programming, the SRO program no longer exists. Moving forward, PRP will continue to work with our community regarding student engagement and programming.”

There are still opportunities for PRP to be active in the community as it seeks to, “Fulfil our role in the Region of Peel’s Community Safety and Well-Being Plan, which includes a specific commitment to partner with our community and advance the social development, safety, and overall success of our youths.”