Johnson County School District Prioritizes Safety with Creation of Dedicated School Police Force
Johnson County Schools, KY – The safety and well-being of students and staff have long been a top priority for the Johnson County Board of Education. Today, that commitment took a significant step forward with the Board's unanimous vote to establish the Johnson County Schools Police Force, a move designed to provide a more comprehensive and responsive security presence across the district.
The decision to create a dedicated school police force comes after months of careful consideration, research into best practices, and discussions within the school community. While Johnson County Schools has historically collaborated closely with local law enforcement agencies, the JCBOE recognized the unique benefits of having officers whose primary focus is the school environment.
"This is a pivotal day for Johnson County Schools," stated Superintendent Thom Cochran. "The creation of our own police force allows us to build a security model specifically designed for our schools, our students, and our staff. It's about proactive safety, not just reactive measures."
The new police force will consist of sworn school resource officers who will undergo specialized training in areas such as school law, de-escalation techniques, crisis intervention, and relationships with youth. This tailored training will assist them in helping our schools foster a safe and supportive atmosphere while maintaining order.
Proponents of the new force highlight several key advantages. With officers solely dedicated to the school district, response times to any incident within school buildings or on school grounds are expected to be significantly faster. Furthermore, the consistent presence of these officers is anticipated to build stronger relationships with students, faculty, and parents, encouraging open communication and trust.
"Having officers who are consistently present in our schools, who get to know our students and our routines, is invaluable," said Board Chair Bob Hutchison. "This group is not just an outside police force; they'll be an essential, integral part of our Johnson County school family, fostering safety and mutual respect every day."
The Johnson County Schools Police Force will work in close coordination with the Paintsville Police Department and the Johnson County Sheriff's Office, ensuring a seamless and collaborative approach to overall community safety. The district anticipates a phased implementation, with initial hiring and training to begin in the coming months. Further details on the size of the force, their deployment strategies, and community engagement initiatives will be shared with the public as they are finalized.
This decision by the Johnson County Board of Education reflects a clear commitment to providing the safest possible educational environment for every student, every day.