The Marion Police Department has assigned a school resource officer to spend the summer working with local children. Chief Bill Collins said the plan is part of the department’s new Community Policing Initiative for 2014.
Officer Dave Dunaway, the School Resource Officer for Grant Middle School, has been assigned as the Safe Summer Kids & Cops officer. Officer Dunaway will spend his days monitoring areas where large groups of children gather.
On a typical day, Officer Dunaway will begin at the Marion City Schools Summer Food Program. This program provides lunches to area children from 22 different locations throughout the city.
Officer Dunaway will then spend the remainder of his day at Lincoln Park interacting with youths at the Aquatic Center and ball diamonds.
“Our number one goal is to provide a presence where large groups of children gather to ensure they have a safe and fun filled summer,” stated Chief Collins. “In addition, our hope is to encourage young people to take part in youth programs, and be able to build meaningful relationships with positive role models.”
The program will continue until the beginning of the school year when Officer Dunaway will return to Grant Middle School.
The Marion Police Department will also be assisted by the Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association (CPAAA) in patrolling area parks and reporting any unusual or suspicious incidents. As always tips can be called into the TIPS LINE at 375-TIPS (8477). For immediate assistance, dial 9-1-1.
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