“We are pleased to announce the return of a School Resource Officer for Newport schools,” stated Newport Police Chief Mark Miranda and LCSD Superintendent Steve Boynton.  Officer Dustin Watson has been assigned to the four Newport schools. A school resource officer (SRO) is a sworn law enforcement officer that operates within the school environment. A SRO proactively promotes school safety and supports school success by: a) educating students and staff on issues today’s youth struggle with; b) developing positive and trusting relationships with students and staff; and c) assisting school principals with law enforcement issues at school.

“It has been many years since we have been able to have one of our officers in the local schools.  The positive relationships developed go a long way toward making our community a safer and more welcoming place,” said Chief Miranda. Officer Watson has been with the Newport Police Department for four months, and was with the Brookings Police Department for 15 years where he was an SRO and dog handler. The cost of the officer is being shared between the Newport Police Department and LCSD.  Bank of the Cascades has also pledged $5,000 per year for three years for this effort.

Information provided by NPD AND LCSD