While a controversial policy is currently prohibiting police officers from wearing their uniforms while visiting schools in Ottawa, school boards in Chatham-Kent are affirming their positive relationship with police services locally.
The temporary policy imposed by the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board requiring police officers to remove their uniforms before appearing as guest speakers in schools has recently drawn stark criticism from the area police union and Ontario Premier Doug Ford.
The board has stated that the policy was initially implemented at the request of students who said they were dealing with “disproportionate fear based on interactions” they’ve had with police.
While declining to comment on the current situation at schools in Ottawa, the director of education for the Lambton-Kent District School Board, John Howitt, told CKXS News that officers continue to be welcome on school grounds.
“We have a protocol in place and have a very positive relationship with our police partners,” said Howitt.
Scott Johnson, the director of education at the St. Clair Catholic District School Board, said there is no scenario where police officers would be prohibited from wearing their uniform while supporting local schools.
“St. Clair Catholic [School Board] has a very positive relationship with the members of CK Police Service, OPP, and Sarnia Police Service. They are welcome members of our school communities and support our schools in exigent circumstances,” Johnson said.
Premier Ford took to social media last week to denounce the policy at Ottawa schools, calling it “a disturbing trend that needs to stop.”
Both Ford and the Ottawa Police Association have called on the school board to reverse its policy concerning police uniforms.
“If we are trying to build relationships in the communities and educate students who may wish to pursue a future career in emergency services, how is this decision the appropriate course of action?” said police association president Mathew Fox in a letter to the board. “Opportunities like this to educate the next generation of youth and provide a positive interaction with police should be something you strive to achieve.
“The brave men and women who wear the uniform deserve better.”
