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The Muskogee Police Department in Oklahoma is grappling with a severe officer shortage that might lead to the withdrawal of School Resource Officers (SROs) from Hilldale Public Schools. Chief Johnnie Teehee has expressed concerns over the department's capacity, currently nine officers short, which raises worries about the mental and physical well-being of patrol officers. This shortage might affect the department's ability to continue its 10-year commitment to provide SROs to Hilldale after the 2025 school year.
Despite the city's shortage, Hilldale School Superintendent Erik Puckett is determined to maintain the SRO presence, emphasizing the importance of community policing and relationships rather than just providing security. Hilldale currently funds 75% of the SRO financing. Discussion of the issue is expected at the Muskogee City Council meeting on April 28.
Chief Teehee is exploring alternatives to preserve police presence in schools, such as having officers during high visibility times like student pick-up. Meanwhile, Muskogee County Sheriff Andy Simmons has suggested the possibility of assigning Sheriff's deputies as SROs, although this too would require personnel expansion.
For more details on this developing situation, read the full article from the Muskogee Phoenix here: [Source](Source)
Muskogee Police Department Faces Critical Staffing Shortage Impacting School Resource Officers
The Muskogee Police Department in Oklahoma is grappling with a severe officer shortage that might lead to the withdrawal of School Resource Officers (SROs) from Hilldale Public Schools. Chief Johnnie Teehee has expressed concerns over the department's capacity, currently nine officers short, which raises worries about the mental and physical well-being of patrol officers. This shortage might affect the department's ability to continue its 10-year commitment to provide SROs to Hilldale after the 2025 school year.
Despite the city's shortage, Hilldale School Superintendent Erik Puckett is determined to maintain the SRO presence, emphasizing the importance of community policing and relationships rather than just providing security. Hilldale currently funds 75% of the SRO financing. Discussion of the issue is expected at the Muskogee City Council meeting on April 28.
Chief Teehee is exploring alternatives to preserve police presence in schools, such as having officers during high visibility times like student pick-up. Meanwhile, Muskogee County Sheriff Andy Simmons has suggested the possibility of assigning Sheriff's deputies as SROs, although this too would require personnel expansion.
For more details on this developing situation, read the full article from the Muskogee Phoenix here: [Source](Source)