A request by Danville School District 118 for a fourth school resource officer is advancing. Police Chief Chris Yates told members of the Public Services Committee of the City Council last evening (Tuesday) that the school district has agreed to pay 100-percent of the cost of the additional officer. Chief Yates said District 118 wants one of the School Resource Officers at North Ridge Middle School, one at South View Upper Elementary School, one at Danville High School, and a fourth to be shared between Danville High School and Kenneth D. Bailey Academy. The committee is forwarding a proposed new intergovernmental agreement to the full Danville City Council for consideration.
Chief Yates said District 118 currently pays 75-percent of the cost for the three School Resource Officers being used. He said the City picks up the other 25-percent of the officers salary and benefits, but can use those officers elsewhere during the summer. Chief Yates also told the committee there has been speculation there may be more School Resource Officers later.
Chief Yates also reported there are four Danville Police candidates who are expected to graduate from the Police Training Institute around December 20th. They will then undergo 17 weeks of in-house training.
Four other police candidates have also been selected pending medical and psychological testing. ‘’We’re pleased with the four who were selected,’’ added Yates. He says they will put the department at 70 sworn officers.
