After a convicted sex offender faced charges for assaulting a student at a Winnipeg elementary school, the city’s former police chief endorsed the presence of officers in schools. Devon Clunis, who previously served as a school resource officer, expressed support for officers stationed in schools following an incident where a child was allegedly assaulted in a St. Vital elementary school bathroom.
The accused, Scott William George, a registered sex offender, was charged with assault, forcible confinement, and failing to comply with child-related restrictions after the incident at Darwin School. The school, part of the Louis Riel School Division, discontinued its school resource officer program in 2021, a decision that Premier Wab Kinew highlighted as the suspect was ultimately apprehended with police assistance at a nearby shopping mall.
Clunis emphasized the importance of police officers building relationships with young people in schools rather than solely focusing on law enforcement. He cited feedback from educators and law enforcement personnel nationwide who advocate for the return of school resource officers to enhance safety and community engagement.
Although the impact of an SRO at Darwin School remains uncertain, Clunis stressed the valuable role these officers play in the broader safety network for children. The removal of SROs from schools, as seen in Winnipeg due to financial constraints, has raised concerns about diminished safety measures for students.
In response to the recent incident, Manitoba’s Premier and Education Minister announced mandatory safety reviews for all schools in the province. While they did not guarantee an increase in SRO presence, they acknowledged the positive contributions of officers in maintaining school safety, citing a recent intervention at Neelin High School that potentially saved lives during a violent incident.
The debate over police presence in schools continues, with some parents urging clarity on the future of SRO programs and commitments from school divisions. The Louis Riel School Division is reevaluating potential collaborations with law enforcement, emphasizing a balanced approach to safety and inclusivity within school environments.
As discussions on the role of SROs evolve, Clunis remains hopeful that schools will gradually reintroduce officers with a renewed focus on transformative and community-centric approaches to enhance overall societal well-being.