Humboldt adds school resource officer
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HUMBOLDT, Tenn. — When students return to school in one West Tennessee city next month they’ll be greeted by a new presence on campus as the Humboldt Police Department and school system join together to make students safer. It’s a year of firsts for the Humboldt City School System as they add their first school resource officer as well as debut the combination of their Junior and Senior High Schools. It is a slew of changes that officials hope will foster a more positive environment. “He’s actually going to be part-time SRO and part-time teacher,” Jennifer Roten with Humboldt City Schools said. “He’s going to teach a criminal justice class.” A graduate of Humboldt High School himself, officials say Officer Clifton Davis was chosen this summer. Students say they’re excited to learn from a fellow Viking. “Some people think police officers are bad, and this will show them that some of them are good people,” student Rico Duncan said. “We can really get to know them.” And officials say they want those relationships to go beyond the classroom. “We want the kids that are curious about going into the field of law enforcement to kind of get a first-hand look at what that looks like,” Roten said. With students entering a combined Jr. and Sr. High School for the first time this year, officials say they’re hopeful the addition of an SRO will help with the transition. “Bringing them here in a new building and in a healthier environment, it’s just going to be safer for them,” Roten said. And as students get ready to hit the books, they say they’re excited for this new adventure. “The police officers will be there to enforce the rules, to help us out and stay focused in school,” Duncan said. Officer Clifton Davis has been with Humboldt police for the past 10 years. According to the school system, his position will cost around $40,000, half of which will be covered by the Humboldt Police Department.
