Update On School Resource Officers In Lincoln-Sudbury Schools

SUDBURY, MA—Some changes in safety officer posts and police participation is giving Lincoln-Sudbury schools more full-time presence from school resource officers, according to a recent update from Superintendent Bella Wong.

"We are fortunate to have the support of safety officers and departments (fire and police) of not just one but of two towns, Lincoln and Sudbury," said Wong in a letter. "In particular, we have had the benefit of working with School Resource Officers from both Police Departments. The SRO serves as our point person of contact with each department and is often our first call when it comes to safety questions regarding our school environment. A Memorandum of Understanding among us and the two Police Departments ensures information is shared on a confidential basis."

Detective Ian Spencer from Lincoln and Al Hutchinson from Sudbury have served as the police liaisons for the schools.

"While we shared Al Hutchinson, informally, across a K-12 assignment, this past year he was assigned to focus more on Sudbury Public Schools K-8," continued Wong. "At the same time Sudbury Police Chief Nix offered to re-assign a new officer to L-S who would have more capacity to focus on L-S than what we've had before. These discussions began in early February."

Officer Kimberly Walch, a L-S '05 grad, will officially start with L-S on Monday, May 21, sharing duties and time with Officer Hutchinson. Because she will only be assigned to L-S, officials expect she will have more of a regular presence in school.

"We look forward to working with her to provide extra support during drop off, pick up, lunch and other intensive times of the day and year," said Wong. "Additionally, she is seeking to understand more about our programs and we hope to integrate her expertise and interest more fully where appropriate. We extend our very deepest gratitude to Al Hutchinson for all the time and support he has given us over many years. Despite his very busy schedule, he always made sure to be present for us when we most needed him. I also extend our thanks and appreciation to Detective Ian Spencer who will continue with us on behalf of the Lincoln Police Department. And, finally, I extend our gratitude to our Lincoln Police Chief Kevin Kennedy and Sudbury Police Chief Scott Nix who give us the best of their expertise, talent, commitment and caring to allow our community to thrive."

Photo via town of Sudbury