Q & A with Chief Heaslip shares plan
By Barb Pert Templeton
During a Marine City Commission meeting on May 15 officials approved an agenda item under new business entitled “East China School District School Resource Officer Contract.”
The agreement, for the 2025-2026 school year, was a renewal as the city has provided a school resource officer for East China Schools for a number of years now.
The four-page school resource officer contract approved by the commission outlines the contract details including 18 specific items. Several of those items were:
· Starting on September 1, 2025 and continuing for each day school is in session until the last day of the school year, the City of Marine City Police Department will assign one Certified Police Officer as a school liaison to the East China School District Marine City campus for a minimum of eight (8) hours per school day.
A school resource officer from Marine City Police Department provides services at Marine City High School whenever school is in session.
· The School Resource Officer will be selected by the Marine City Chief of Police and will work under the direction of the Marine City Chief of Police.
· The School Resource Officer will check in at the Marine City Police Department Offices before and after each shift at the East China School Marine City Campus.
· The East China School District shall pay the City of Marine City the amount of $50,000 annually, for the 2025-2026 school year for the School Resource Officer.
Blue Water Healthy Living caught up with Marine City Police Chief James Heaslip via email to pose some questions about the role of the school resource officer.
Blue Water Healthy Living: Do you know who the school resource officer will be for 2025-2026?
Marine City Police Chief James Heaslip: The officer will be the same as before, Thomas Kenyon.
BWHL: Where does the school resource officer, spend his daily shift with East China Schools– at one of the elementary, a middle school or the high school?
Heaslip: His primary location (office) is at the high school but will travel to the elementary school if needed.
BWHL: What are the basic duties of the officer?
Heaslip: Maintaining safety and security, emergency management, investigating and enforcing laws, crime prevention and safety, legal education, supporting school curriculum, informal counselor/mentor.
BWHL: Does the officer wear a uniform? Carry any weapons on campus?
Heaslip: He does wear a uniform.
BWHL: Are they expected to interact with students in the classroom or lunchroom as well as just as it happens in the hallways?
Heaslip: Yes, he is expected to interact with everyone during all times of the day. Good and bad. I coordinate with him daily regarding issues etc.
BWHL: If the resource officer is off sick or on vacation is someone else assigned the job in his/her place?
Heaslip: No. But on the days, he isn’t at the school, I have my regular patrol officer check in with the office staff.
BWHL: What does the resource officer do during the summer months when schools are closed?
Heaslip: Summer months the officer will become a road officer and fill shifts for the summer.
BWHL: The contract calls for the school district to pay the city $50,000 annually for the officer – is that the full salary or does the city incur additional expenses for the officer?
Heaslip: The $50,000 was an agreement between the city and the school district. The remainder of the officer’s salary is covered by the city.
BWHL: As police chief why do you feel it’s important to have a full-time officer serving the school district when school is in session?
Heaslip: The SRO plays a vital role in fostering a safe and supportive school environment. Their constant presence helps deter crime and ensures rapid response during emergencies. Beyond law enforcement, SROs build crucial relationships with students, acting as mentors and educators on safety and legal topics. This daily interaction cultivates trust, allowing for early intervention in potential issues and promoting a positive school climate. Ultimately, a full-time SRO integrates into the school community, enhancing overall safety and student well-being.
