Replacement sought after current officer hired away by MS highway patrol
When the Kosciusko Police Department Captain Mark Gilmore decided to leave the KPD for the Mississippi Highway Patrol, the void left behind is going to be greater than that of the typical officer. Not only is Gilmore a 16-year veteran of the force, he serves as the School Resource Officer for the city schools.
According to Police Chief Herbert Dew, it isn’t just a matter of sliding another of his officers into the role.
“Captain Gilmore was both D.A.R.E. certified and School Resource Officer certified,” said the Chief. Even if a suitable officer steps forward immediately to take the role, it will take time for that officer to complete the training, which also depends on when those training sessions will next be held.
“First, you’ve got to pick an officer who is suitable. It’s not every officer. It takes a special person to be that school resource officer,” he said.
“The school resource officer does a lot more than people think or see,” said Dew. “He deals with anything within each of the five schools, as well as the alternative school and is expected to be the lead officer an anything criminal in the schools.
The position is also involved in school sports and other event planning with the schools.
The school district funds about 10 months of the salary for the School Resource Officer while the Police Department covers the two months in the summer when they can utilize the officer for regular police duties.
Dew said the department will increase officer foot patrols at each of the schools to maintain a good presence while they work toward a permanent solution.
The Chief said he and Superintendent of Schools Billy Ellzey have been discussing the situation and future plans since Gilmore gave his notice. Ellzey was not available for comment on the matter at The Star-Herald’s press time.
