Small Town News

Morris is new School Resource Officer

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Officer Gene Morris is Perkins-Tryon Schools new school resource officer.

Morris, an officer with the Perkins Police Department, said he started his new duties last Monday.

The department and P-T Schools created the school resource officer program approximately two and one-half years ago. Jason Gait became the first officer to fill that position. Gait was recently promoted to the rank of sergeant, which left an opening for SRO.

Morris said he was approached about the position after Gait's promotion.

"I think he's more than qualified for the job," Police Chief Steve Hensley said. "His job performance since joining the force has been great. He's an outstanding officer, always willing to help out on anything to help this department."

Morris commented, "I thought it would be a good learning opportunity. Plus, it will give me more experience with juveniles."

Morris worked with youth several years ago when he was with AmeriCorps assigned to the American Red Cross in Stillwater. While Red Cross assistant director, Morris did numerous classroom presentations at area schools, including First Aid, safety, and "Home Alone." Most of these presentations were aimed at elementary school-age groups, he said. He also conducted CPR and First

Aid training for teachers.

Morris said he's very conscious of this high profile position as school resource officer, which entails a high degree of trust.

"You wouldn't trust your kid with just anyone," he said. "It's very much an honor to be asked to do this."

Morris just completed Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) training in Oklahoma City. He went through an application process and was one of only 20 officers selected for the intensive two-week training.

He is currently preparing to start instructing a DARE class, starting with the sixth grade at' Perkins-Tryon Intermediate School next week. Morris will present nine sessions of the DARE curriculum to approximately 116 students in Jean Aresco's science classes.

Morris said the DARE program is very relevant and useful for young people.

"DARE covers drugs, alcohol, tobacco and violence," he said. "The DARE Decision Making Model teaches kids how to make good decisions."

This is taught using practical application, such as responses to hypothetical situations.

The DARE program is not funded by the school. Funding comes through the police department. In addition, government grants are not used to fund the program. Morris added that President Obama's recent freeze on government spending will not help. "It's going to have a huge impact on our programs," Morris said. "Private donations in the past have helped to allow us to provide that service to the children," Morris noted The cost of the DAREprogram runs from $25 to $30 per student.

Morris said, as SRO, his focus will also include helping kids deal with anger management issues.

"There are a lot of anger management issues in junior high and high school-aged kids," he noted. Instead of dealing with stressful situations affectively, some students lash out.

The officer holds a bachelor's degree in psychology and has received specialized training in Emergency Medical Services and handling crises.

"I can help [students] learn coping skills and just be someone kids can come in and talk to about problems they're handling,"

Morris said, noting that this is the kind of thing school counselors do, but his flexible schedule will allow him to help.

Morris said recent government budget cuts have made it tough for police departments and schools, so he intends to seek out grants that can provide items such as security cameras to help make the campuses more secure. Morris' duties as SRO will take him to each of the P-T campuses. When school is not in session, Morris will continue to perform patrol officer duties.

For more information about the SRO program, contact Officer Gene Morris at (405) 547-2445.

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© 2010 The Perkins Journal Perkins, Oklahoma. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

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