Village of Manhattan assigning full-time officer to elementary schools

The village of Manhattan is assigning a full-time police officer to local elementary schools to provide an increased police presence and develop safety and security protocols, according to a news release.

A current Manhattan police officer will assume the role, and an additional officer will be added to street patrols, according to the release.

The school resource officer will work with school staff to develop protocols and a plan of action for keeping students and staff safe. District 114 Superintendent Russ Ragon is working with Chief Jeff Wold and Mayor Mike Adrieansen to implement the program this fall, according to the release.

In Illinois, a school resource officer receives training from the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board. The state agency is mandated to promote and maintain a high level of professional standards for law enforcement and correctional officers, according to the ILETSB website.