Members of the town council told Barrington Police Chief Michael Correia that they need more time before deciding on whether to sign off on a second SRO in Barrington schools. 

The Barrington School Committee has already approved the MOU (memorandum of understanding) that creates guidelines for two SROs in Barrington schools — currently, the district has one SRO, who spends the majority of his time at the high school. 

The MOU went before the Barrington Town Council on Monday night, July 27, but councilors were hesitant to sign it. 

Kerry O’Neill said he needed more time to review the document. He also said that there had not been MOUs for the school resource officer in the past, but that comment was quickly corrected. Chief Correia said he has signed the SRO MOU every year he has worked in Barrington. He also explained that the new MOU was drafted to include language for the second school resource officer.

Jordan Jancosek asked a series of questions about the MOU. She wanted to know if it was a binding contract — it is, said Barrington Assistant Solicitor Amy Goins. Jancosek asked who the SRO would answer to. Chief Correia said the superintendent of schools has the final say, but, he added, he was confident that the superintendent would work closely with him if there were any issues. 

“It’s not like I will have no say — I’ll be part of the selection process,” Chief Correia said. “I’m not troubled by it.”

Jancosek also asked if there was a way to evaluate the new position after the first year. Chief Correia said the MOU must be signed each year, and that created an opportunity for a review. He suggested a year-end review for the position, listing the highs and lows. Jancosek asked that the review be codified into the agreement. 

Goins offered an alternative that would not require a change in the MOU: She said the town council could, at any time, call an executive session meeting to discuss the performance of the school resource officers. She also said the council could request the police chief provide feedback on the positions. 

Jancosek said she wanted something more formal. 

Goins suggested that the MOU be approved as presented with the understanding that the police chief offer status reports. 

The suggestions did not sway the councilors. 

Earlier in the discussion, Chief Correia offered a thorough endorsement for the school resource officer positions. He said the department has demonstrated the important role an SRO plays in the school district. He said the SRO is not in the schools as an enforcer or disciplinarian. Chief Correia said the school resource officer is there as an ambassador. 

He spoke about the relationships the SROs have established with students, faculty and families, and the benefits of those relationships. He referenced a situation that occurred on the high school campus a few years ago involving a troubled student who had a weapon. Chief Correia said that only when the SRO arrived on scene did the issue get resolved. 

Chief Correia said about a third of averted school threats or tragedies are due to someone telling an SRO about the situation before it occurs. 

“I’m asking you to trust me,” Chief Correia said to the council members. “Trust my judgment.”

The police chief also addressed the concerns over disparate outcomes for some students when there is an SRO at their school. Chief Correia said that may occur in some districts, but it does not happen in Barrington. 

‘I do trust you’

Goins told councilors that the MOU for the school resource officer has been in place for several years. She said she reviewed the new MOU and that there are only a few areas of substantive change in it. She referenced the superintendent having final say and the new cost-sharing plan. Barrington Public Schools will cover the cost of the salary and benefits for the first SRO, and the police department will reimburse the school district $25,000. The schools will cover the salary and benefits for the second SRO, stated a memo from the town manager. 

Jancosek asked if the position was considered a town employee or a school employee. Officials said it would be a town employee. 

Jancosek again said she would feel more comfortable delaying or “pushing” the issue. She said she wanted more time to think about it. Jancosek mentioned the council possibly discussing it at a special meeting in August or at its regular September meeting. 

Chief Correia offered to alter his regular report, in an effort to gain the council’s approval at the July 27 meeting. He was hoping to begin the hiring process for the second SRO position.

Barrington Town Council President Braxton Cloutier told Chief Correia he trusts him.

“You are someone who has changed my mind about community policing and what it means to be an officer,” Cloutier said. 

Cloutier also said he is not in favor of adding a second SRO in Barrington Public Schools. He said the money needed for the position could be spent elsewhere. He mentioned mental health professionals and counselors. Cloutier said he wanted to push the issue off until the September council meeting. 

Jancosek said she was in favor of discussing the issue prior to the council’s September meeting. O’Neill agreed with that idea, adding that he has faith in police officers, but wanted to pour over the MOU before deciding.