At the beginning of the 2008-2009 school year, students may have been expecting to see Officer Lynette Brown patrolling the hallways, just like last year. However, this school year a new school resource officer has been positioned at HHS by the name of Sergeant Bill Frank.
Frank has been in law enforcement for 19 years. “I have done everything from being a patrol officer to crime prevention, criminal investigation, and patrol supervisor,” Frank said. After being “in the action” for so long, Frank now has to get used to life within the school.
Frank has many ideas about the role of a school resource officer. He hopes to establish some relationships with students and faculty alike for the time that he is here. “The purpose of a school resource officer is to support the staff and administration,” Frank said. “I need to provide a safe learning environment. If you all are afraid to go to school, then we have a problem.” Frank has also extended the offer to teach educational classes on law enforcement and basic safety.
“I want to be able to teach general safety in the classroom,” Frank said. “This includes personal safety and internet safety, as well as the understanding of being a citizen in a free society.” Frank believes that everyone should know their role within a community and within the school. “You have to be willing to assist others, if necessary,” Frank said. “It’s about becoming involved and not letting others set the standard for you.”
For the first few months of the year, Frank will only be on duty part time. “We are currently going through a transition at the department,” Frank explained. “Until that is done, I am here part time and Officer Shaver will be here; I think the students will find him to be very approachable.”
Frank knows that his primary function is safety and security in the school. “I should be here full time soon,” Frank said. “I will attempt to get to as many sporting events as I can. Other than that, I’ll be here at school ready to assist.” He also plans to work as a mediator between students and to be open for communication at all times. “I know that Officer Brown established relationships when she was stationed here and that’s what I’d like to do,” Frank said. “At first, people may not know who I am and may be a little suspicious as to why I am here, but I will be walking around during class changes and lunch, hoping to make some connections that way.” Frank also plans to post a mailbox on his door, which is located next to the attendance office, so that students can drop him messages if necessary.
Frank’s daily activities include morning and afternoon patrol outside, being alert during class changes, attending all lunch periods, and making sure all doors are locked. His job entails that he work with the staff on whatever issues arise, whether they are criminal-related or not.
“One thing that everyone should have in common is concern for safety within the school,” Frank said.
