Thread: Missouri Creates a seperate school police.

House OKs school authority

JEFFERSON CITY (AP) - School districts would be allowed to create their own police departments and give teachers new legal protections under a bill given first-round approval yesterday in the House.

Lawmakers, by voice vote, approved the wide-ranging measure that expands the ability of school districts to establish school dress codes, dispense medication to students and use force to protect people and property.

Sponsoring Rep. Maynard Wallace said most of the bill’s provisions codify what school districts already are doing.

One of the provisions would allow school districts to create certified police officers to enforce laws broken on school property, at school activities and on school buses.

Rep. Gary Dusenberg, R-Blue Springs, who has filed separate bills to give school districts that right in the past, said some schools need their own police because the district crosses into multiple law enforcement jurisdictions, creating a confusing situation for police.

Although the district’s law enforcement force would have full police powers, sexual offenses, felonies and crimes that involve violence or threats would need to be handled by local law enforcement.

Rep. John Burnett said the measure means school district personnel could ride school buses and patrol hallways with a gun.

"If we need security officers, we should get security officers. If we need police officers, we should get real police," said Burnett, D-Kansas City.

Supporters said trained, licensed police officers can be important for ensuring safety for students and teachers.

The measure also adds several legal protections for teachers. It would prevent lawsuits against teachers who discipline students by using their school district’s approved procedures and also against qualified teachers and staff who distribute medication or medical treatments, including CPR.

Maybe I'm insane but creating a seperate lesser armed police service under the school district seems to me like asking for trouble.