Schools

Police Respond to EASD Security Cuts

Palmer, Forks police departments say Easton Area schools will be patrolled, protected.

While there are no more school security guards in the Easton Area School District, police officials are telling parents not to worry about their children's safety.

Here's a statement released by the :

PARENTS, The Palmer Township Police Department, has, and will continue to, have a uniformed Police Officer provide a presence throughout the school day. In addition to patrolling the Palmer and Tracy Elementary Schools, there is a Palmer Township Police Officer assigned full time to the Easton Area High School as a School Resource Officer.

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Police Chief Greg Dorney said his department "currently has directed patrols in and around all schools during drop off and dismissal daily when school is in session and have done so for years."

"We have a very good relationship with the administrators and staff at both elementary schools," Dorney said. "Both welcome officers to stop by at anytime during the school day."

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Dorney said that Forks Officer has been making an increased effort as a community resource officer to participate with activities within both schools.

"Lastly, we have had very few issues at either of the elementary schools in our township," Dorney said. "I really don’t see this having a significant impact on our department but officers are certainly aware of the change."

The has done away with security guards, yet another casualty of an off-season that saw more than 100 teachers and 50 staffers lose their jobs in the wake of closing a budget deficit.

Security guards at Cheston, Forks, Palmer, March, Shawnee, Tracy and Paxinosa elementary schools were eliminated as part of the Easton Area School District's layoffs for 2012-13.


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