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Cops On Campus As Students Head Back To School

09/15/2008 | CityNews.ca Staff

PC Martin Douglas at Sir Robert L Borden BTI, 2008.

Martin Douglas is a big guy. Really big: he towers over the CityNews cameraman, and he dwarfed Education Specialist Cynthia Mulligan.

But the biggest part about him is his smile. It comes in handy to remember that, when you realize he's just brought a loaded gun into a Toronto high school.

PC Douglas patrols the halls of Sir Robert L Borden as part of a program that puts armed officers face to face with students in 27 schools. The plan is a partnership between Toronto Police and the Catholic and public school boards. It's hoped that these school resource officers, or SROs, will foster relationships with their young charges.

So what does Douglas think of his new beat?

"I'm very nervous as far as creating the right impression for them. You know, will I be accepted?" he wonders.

Still, he knows why he's there - and unlike students, it's not to make friends.

"SROs that are placed in these schools I think will benefit by getting closer with the students. It's like a win/win situation.

"They're going to be able to see us in a different light. As far as you see, I'm wearing my uniform. This is my uniform just like how they are wearing their uniforms.

"However it's, you know, getting to the core of the person, the human behind the uniform and starting to see us in a different light and vice versa. As law enforcement see the youth in a different light, and let's face it: for some of them, they have a bad rap and, you know..."Douglas trails off.

"I think it's time that we invest this time, this sort of time where they're in a learning environment to get closer with them and to, you know, bridge the gaps," he finishes.

Douglas will have an office near the guidance counselor's, so students can come and talk to him one on one.

"How long are you here for?" asks one student.

"I'm here for good," he replies.

Then it's his turn to ask the tough questions.

"This is for school or are you just reading it on your own?" he demanded of one young man in the halls.

"I'm just reading it for my own," the pupil brags.

"Excellent," Douglas beams.

So far, so good. But is it necessary for the students' safety?

"Absolutely not," argues Principal Doug Patterson.

"The reason we're involved in this is because this is an opportunity to build relationships."

And one week into the program, the students seem to be pleased with the addition to their campus.

"I think it's good, yeah," supports Godfrey, a Grade 12 student.