New Student Resource Officers Welcome Kids Back to School

As Shelton students get back into the routine of the school year, two new faces will be seen roaming the grounds and hallways -- and they aren't truants skipping class.

City police officers Selwyn Sebourne and Brian McPadden have been assigned the role of Student Resource Officer (SRO) at the and , respectively.

Sebourne has been on the force for six years, and this is his first year serving as an SRO. Head public schools security officer Nick Zerella said both SHS and SIS have had SROs for about twelve years.

The overall job of an SRO is to "make sure everyone is in compliance with the rules, especially as far as treating each other with respect," according to Sebourne.

McPadden, also a first-year SRO, and Sebourne said their morning duties include making sure students can safely enter the grounds.

"You always have to be mindful of crosswalks, which buses are coming in, the car traffic from parents dropping their kids off," said Sebourne.

Once the school bell rings, SROs monitor the hallways, bathrooms and general activity outside the classroom. McPadden said keeping lunch time under control is particularly important.

"Lunch is big, that's where all the stuff happens," he said. Occasional fights, not throwing away food properly and all-around loud behavior make cafeteria patrolling the main focus of the afternoon.

Though school has been in session just a week, both officers are optimistic that things will run smoothly. "At SIS, the kids are incredible. This is only the first few days but they are comfortable with me being there; they greet me cordially, give my the peace sign and high fives," said Sebourne.

Of course, there will always be some behavioral issues amongst students. McPadden said that even more threatening than "a small fight or two here and there" is cyberbullying.

"With Facebook and text messages and the way kids connect now, I expect bullying could be one of the bigger problems at the high school," McPadden said.

A cyberbullying law will be introduced in October, which McPadden hopes will deter students from disrespecting their peers. "If we come across something of the sort, it's dealt with in school but can become a criminal issue if someone is threatening or harassing," he said.

But more than just being around to lay down the law, both officers are looking forward to working with Shelton's students. "We're there to help, mentor and direct them," Sebourne said.