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Farmville SROs six months in

The Farmville Enterprise - 2/15/2017

FARMVILLE-Si x months into the school resource officers or SRO contract, the partnership between Pitt County Schools and the Farmville Police Department appears to be running smoothly.

Having Farmville police serve as SROs at Farmville Central High School and Farmville Middle School has "improved communication with the schools and the community," said Chief Donnie Greene of the Farmville Police Department.

The Pitt County Sheriff's Office previously provided Farmville schools with SROs. Farmville police approached the Pitt County Board of Education last year with a request to take over the duty, which was granted.

"The Farmville Police Department having the opportunity of providing SRO services for the Farmville schools has been a smooth transition. The entire department has been very supportive of the district's security initiatives and seems to be a good fit for the Farmville schools," said Jeff Hudson, the security specialist for Pitt County Schools. "The objectives for the SROs have never changed, as the security for our staff and students still remains the top priority. Chief Greene has proven that his department is focused on providing a quality service, and we look forward to working together in the future."

Officer Melissa Pierce was appointed SRO at Farmville Central, and Officer David Newton was named the SRO at Farmville Middle School.

"Our children, who see Melissa and David in the community outside of school, have a rapport with them and it is building a positive relationship in the community," Greene said. "At lunch and games, I see them interacting with the kids and the kids carrying on with the SROs. The SROs are very involved."

The SROs are on duty from the start of school until the last activity of the day, including home sporting events and dances, Greene explained.

The transition has gone smoothly, but Greene admits there has been a learning curve.

"Like at a football game, I am of a police mindset as to where officers should be posted, but the principal wanted something different because he knows his school, so we do what the school wants," Greene said, adding he is in constant communication with the principals, assistant principals and SROs.

Principals agree the relationship is working well.

"Farmville Police have been great to work with thus far. We have had coverage anytime our SRO needed to leave campus, and additional presence whenever we have requested support. Chief Greene has worked closely with myself and my assistant principals on scheduling coverage for extra-curricular events, and we have had no issues or complaints," said Brad Johnston, the principal of Farmville Central High School.

Paul Briney, the principal at Farmville Middle School, added, "It is great having two SROs working closely together between the middle and high school.

"Having two SROs available at our popular sporting events, such as football and basketball, allows for better student supervision and helps eliminate some safety concerns.

"Officer Newton is forming meaningful and trustworthy relationships with many of our students.

"Chief Greene's door is always open, and he wants to help. He often asks what we need and wants to make sure the students and our staff at FMS are in good hands."

Along with the SROs, fellow Farmville police officers patrol the schools regularly, and the Pitt County Sheriff's Office assists with extra patrol at home basketball games.

Having SROs in schools are vital, according to Greene. Law enforcement, in general, should serve as a role model for youth to deter them from gang activity and provide a support system that otherwise may be lacking at home, Greene said.

Greene works hard to instill community policing within his department.

"We are in the neighborhoods every day. We are still feared by a lot of kids because parents tell their children: ?If you don't behave, I'm going to call the police and have you locked up.' One way to stop that fear is to interact with kids. I tell my officers all the time, ?You can't ride around with your windows up.' The window is a barrier," Greene said. "If you drive by the same child three days in a row and wave to him and he never waves back, on the fourth day you may get half a wave and on the fifth day you may get a full wave and eventually that kid will talk to you, but law enforcement can't give up."

Last week, Maj. Jeffrey Spencer went to the Farmville Housing Authority. He handed out candy to the children, played music and hung out with them.

"That is making an effort and what we have to do," Greene said.

It is the same scenario in the schools, he added.

Spencer visited the middle school during lunch recently and sat down at a table next to a student. That student stood up and went to the other side of the table. Spencer attempted to strike up conversation with the student.

"I asked him his name and he told me he forgot. ?You forgot your name?' Before long we were talking about dirt bikes," Spencer said.

Newton hopes his presence at the middle school is changing the negative perception some have of law enforcement.

"I feel like I'm making a difference and want to be a role model for the students," Newton said. "I try to keep a rapport with the students and hope they feel comfortable enough to approach me."

Pierce is thoroughly enjoying her time at Farmville Central, she said.

"I have really enjoyed getting to know the students, and it is going a lot better than I expected. I am building relationships with the kids and am building bonds with them. I want them to know that I'm not just a person in the school," she said.

Pierce has strived to change students' negative perception of law enforcement into a positive one.

"Not all police officers are bad. I'm working to make those bonds with students so they know I'm here to help them and assist them," Pierce said.

Like Newton, Pierce also has a strong working relationship with the staff at Farmville Central.

"The staff and principal Brad Johnston are outstanding. It's been a great six months so far," she said.

Newton is on a first name basis with most of the students at the middle school and often sees them out in the community.

"I see them at Wal-Mart or the grocery store and they say hi," he said, adding he is glad his relationships are growing. "I want our students, faculty and staff to feel safe and not have to worry at school."

Building rapport continues outside the schools walls.

The police department hosts Movies in the Park, Sunday Splash Day, Community Fun Day, Shop with a Cop and Coffee with a Cop. This year, the department is also hosting an Easter Egg Hunt and a National Night Out event. With the SROs' presence in the schools, Greene is hoping it will entice students to attend these events, he said.

Along with Pierce and Newton, Sgt. Jason Tyndall is receiving his certification to serve as the DARE officer at H.B. Sugg and Sam D. Bundy elementary schools. He is also earning certification as a GREAT (Gang Resistance Education And Training) officer at the middle school. Gang members do live in Farmville, Greene said.

"I have received requests to provide gang awareness at the middle school," Greene said, adding he is working with the sheriff's office to assist with hopes of bringing the K9 unit to the school.

Hosting GREAT is a preventive action, Greene explained. The program highlights gang signs and colors.

"Four kids walking down the street in white T-shirts does not mean they are in a gang," Greene said.

The last time Farmville police served as the schools' SROs was in the early 2000s, according to Greene.

"I am glad the school system gave us the opportunity to keep our kids safe and build better relationships," he said, adding he hopes the contract is renewed in the 2017-18 school year.