Lafayette Parish Sheriff Mark Garber announced that he signed the agreement that revamps the Lafayette school system’s School Resource Officer program.
As we reported back in May, Board President Eric Knezek spearheaded the overhaul of the program; Knezek told us he’s been working on it for months. The board finalized its position during budget hearings.
Today, Garber announced that he has signed the agreement that finalizes the program revamp. Under the plan, Knezek tells KATC, Garber will oversee the program by providing training and ensuring that all agencies involved are following best practices.
The program has been in place for years, with SROs in place at all parish high schools and middle schools. They are sworn officers of the law enforcement entities in the parish, but work at a school. This new program will expand police presence to all parish schools. All law enforcement agencies in the parish are still involved in the program.
"As a result of this joint effort, Sheriff Garber is eager to manage the School Resource Officer Program which promotes consistency, accountability and most importantly, the safety of the students and faculties within the parish," Garber says in a statement.
