Base schools to see military police officers on campus

By: LOUISE CANNON - Staff Writer | Sunday, March 21, 2004 9:41 PM PST ∞

CAMP PENDLETON ---- Students and staff members at the five elementary schools on base will soon see military police officers on campus as the base implements its first-ever school resource officer program this spring.

The program, slated to begin April 12, will mimic what is already taking place between police departments and public schools statewide, in which police officers are assigned to campuses to provide security, drug- and alcohol-abuse prevention lessons for young students, and support for principals.

"This will be a deterrent for vandalism, bullying ... any problem schools have," said Gunnery Sgt. Holly Hardy, the service chief for Camp Pendleton's crime prevention and community relations office. "This will be more of a help to the principals."

Because base schools fall under the military's jurisdiction, campus-related problems are handled by regular military police officers. She said that because those officers cover the entire base, they may not be familiar with school procedures, the school staff or the students, she said.

"We were told that each time (military police were summoned) a different officer would show up," she said.

Under the new program, two school resource military police officers will be assigned to specific campuses from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. during school days, according to a memorandum sent to Oceanside Unified School District administrators.

According to the memo, the officers will be screened and trained in drug-abuse prevention. The officers will also attend School Resource Officer training provided by the Los Angeles Police Department, Hardy said.

One officer will cover Stuart Mesa, Santa Margarita and North Terrace elementary schools, which are run by the Oceanside district. The other officer will cover Mary Fay Pendleton and San Onofre elementary schools, which are run by the Fallbrook Union Elementary District.

The officers will wear camouflage uniforms with "MP" badges on their arms, Hardy said.

"It will be like a friendly face on campus," she said.

Base school administrators said they like the idea of military police officers on campus as a way to enhance campus safety and crime-prevention awareness.

"What we would envision is these (police officers) would be here for these kids and help with things like problem solving," said Mary Fay Pendleton Principal Lynn Gilstrap. "They could be there on the recess yard. They would be here for intervention."

North Terrace Principal Bob Rowe agreed.

"We're excited to have the presence and support of the military," he said. "We feel that it is something that is needed for safety and for role modeling. It will help with dismissal after school and during lunchtime."

Contact staff writer Louise Cannon at (760) 901-4151 or lcannon@nctimes.com.