Hinsdale-Clarendon Hills Elementary District 181 has expanded its two-year-old Safety Officer Program in partnering with three area police departments.
The program started during the 2022-23 school year with one officer making visits to schools a few days each week and grew to include an officer visiting the district’s nine school buildings five days each week.
Now, police departments from Hinsdale, Clarendon Hills and Burr Ridge, the three municipalities in which District 181 schools are located, are supplying three officers to schools for all five days of the school week.
District 181 spokesman Jeffrey Alstadt said the move offers schools flexibility “if additional safety officers are needed to ensure that students and staff feel safe during a false alarm” along with “new ways to add more layers of safety.”
“While they don’t play an instructional or counseling role, (the officers) closely monitor our safety protocols and suggest improvements,” he said. “Our school safety officers primarily focus on responding to emergencies, addressing possible threats, and assisting with safety concerns.
“They also monitor school security systems, conduct building reviews, and coordinate with school administrators to address safety issues.”
This year, Alstadt said, various scheduling options are being piloted to ensure a visible presence in every school.
Hinsdale police Chief Brian King, issuing a joint response on behalf of himself, Clarendon Hills Chief Ed Leinweber and Burr Ridge Chief Marc Loftus, said expanding the program to three officers is a positive step.
“We understand the importance of safety and security, so we are very supportive whenever the district finds a new way to achieve this goal,” the release stated. “District 181 has been doing an outstanding job of focusing on the key aspects that help increase the level of safety in schools. Therefore, we want to continue supporting their efforts, and we see safety officers as a valuable way to ensure that our officers are familiar with all the schools in an emergency.
“Their specialized training and consistent presence can also build trust and foster a positive relationship between police and the school community.”
The chiefs said District 181 selects officers for the program based on interests, qualifications, and commitment to community service.
“The school safety officer program has benefited our departments and the school district,” they said. “It allows us to have insight into the layout of all nine buildings throughout the district, offer feedback during drills, and ensure a high level of collaboration with the school district in an emergency. We are fortunate to have such a close partnership with District 181 since we know it directly benefits the communities that we serve.”
Chuck Fieldman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
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