Stoops' Scoop
November 8, 2022 Edition #14
City Council will Revisit SRO Contract with Junction City School District
At the City Council Work Session on October 25, 2022, Council Member John Gambee convinced the council to reconsider the SRO contract with the school district. The agenda allocated 30 minutes for the SRO Discussion, but took one hour and fifteen minutes for the council to arrive at a consensus. The SRO will be on the agenda for consideration tomorrow night, November 8th, at 6:30 pm.
We are still hopeful that the council will agree to the contract and allow us to move forward with our partnership focusing on our schools and surrounding community. Below are a few questions and answers we have been getting from parents and local community members. I hope you can show your support by joining us tomorrow evening.
Questions and Answers:
Q. Is the Junction City Police Department (JCPD) being short staffed preventing them from safely implementing an SRO program until all new officers are fully trained?
A: No, the new officers will be working the night shifts. The integration to the new schedule will have no impact on the day shift.
Q: Will adding an SRO change current JCPD staffing and negatively impact citizens?
A: No, entering into an agreement between JCSD and JCPD will not change, staffing will continue just as it is.
Q: If an SRO is contracted with the school district, will they be available for backup or emergencies?
A: Yes, the SRO will always be available for emergencies or immediate needs by the city.
Q: Was the City Council aware of the SRO contract prior to it coming to council for approval?
A: Yes, the City Council approved the 2022-2023 budget with an allocation to support a contract with the school district for an SRO.
Q: Did the city budget for an SRO?
A: Yes, the City Council unanimously adopted and approved the budget, which included the SRO, and a 10th officer position at the City Council Meeting on June 14, 2022. Hiring the SRO and adding the 10th officer is contingent upon contracting with the school district, who is providing $66,000 towards the contract annually.
Q: Certain council members claim the Police Chief is causing burnout of existing officers by forcing officers to work four 12-hours shifts.
A: Not true, the officers in their collective bargaining agreement requested the 12-hour shifts, prior to the Police Chief's arrival. Officers prefer the current 4-days on, 4-days off schedule.
Q: Some council members have stated that the 12-hour shifts create a burden with overtime being worked.
A: Not true. Because this is a bargained shift pattern, there is no overtime incurred as a result. Over the course of a year work hours spread out evenly.
Q: City Councilors continue to assert they are concerned about office safety and that by accepting the $66,000 from the school district for an SRO contract will impair officer safety.
A: Not accurate. By not agreeing to the SRO contract with JCSD, the council is denying acceptance of $66,000 towards the SRO contract and preventing the City from hiring a 10th officer as planned and budgeted for 2022-2023.
I continue to advocate for the increased safety of our students and staff. The safety of our schools increases when there is a positive, coordinated effort between local law enforcement and the school district. If you would like to show your support I encourage you to attend the City Council Work Session on Tuesday, November 8th at 6:30 PM at 680 Greenwood St.
I encourage you to reach out to the City Council Members and share your concerns. They can be reached on the Junction City Website.
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Troy Stoops, Superintendent
Email: tstoops@junctioncity.k12.or.us
Website: junctioncity.k12.or.us
Location: 325 Maple Street, Junction City, OR, USA
Phone: 541-998-6311