Safety Officer

The Wisconsin Rapids Police Department is concerned about our community children. The officer assigned to this position provides safety education to the city's public and parochial elementary schools. The officer also acts as a liaison between the schools and the Police Department.

Safety Patrol Cadets

The Safety Officer annually organizes and trains over 500 Safety Patrol Cadets to assist their fellow students cross the street at busy intersections near their school. This program was started by AAA of Wisconsin in 1971.

Safety Programs

The Safety Officer has created many programs to help teach our community children to be safe. Working closely with school administrators, guidance councelors, and school social workers, the Safety Officer's programs have become part of the curriculum. The programs are presented at certain times of the year to coincide with other curriculum that the teachers are presenting in the classroom.

• Protective Behaviors
  - good touch, bad touch
  - stranger danger
• Traffic Safety
  - pedestrian
  - bike
  - bus riding
• Drug Resistance
  - marijuana
  - alcohol
  - tobacco
• Shoplifting
• Gang Resistance
• Sexual Harassment

Bus Evacuation

By state law all elementary school children have been taught how to evacuate a school bus in case of an emergency. In cooperation with the local bus company the safety officer teaches this to the children.

Bike Safety

In early spring a bike safety class is given to the students in the 4th grade. They are taught how to ride safely on the street and how to obey the traffic laws. The city has adopted all state laws regarding bicycles.

Shoplifting Education

In late winter the 6th grade students are given a presentation on shoplifting. A local store security person assists the safety officer, giving a different perspective to what the children are learning about retail theft.

Police School Liaison Officer, Andy Dewitt
Answers Parents Most Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Police School Liaison Officer?

A Police School Liaison Officer is a law enforcement officer assigned to the school. The purpose of having a PSLO at school is to assist the school in maintaining a safe environment for students, staff, and visitors. The PSLO interacts positively with students to gain confidence and trust. Students who choose illegal behaviors are held accountable by the PSLO through referrals to Social Service or citations. The PSLO actively supports the school's policy to discipline student behavior that threatens the health or safety of others.

What if my child has information concerning risk behaviors of other students and is afraid to say anything due to fear of retaliation?

Students reporting information concerning drugs, alcohol, or weapons will remain anonymous. Students may call 1-877-325-7867 without revealing their identity. Administrators and the PSLO will investigate retaliatory threats with proper consequences being rendered. The identity of students reporting risk behaviors of others is kept confidential. Students may utilize the "Quick 50" program. Quick 50 pays $50.00 cash to students coming forward with information leading to the arrest of individuals involved with alcohol, drugs, weapons, or thefts in and around the school house.

Is information shared with the PSLO confidential?

The PSLO will notify administrators concerning information that may jeopardize the health or safety of others within the school - Wis. Stats. Secs. 938.396 (1m) (a), (am), (ar), and (b). All other information is kept confidential.

Will I be notified before and officer interviews my child?

Law enforcement officers are not required by law to notify parents prior to interviewing a student. However, police department policy and Wisconsin Rapids School District policy states that the parent/guardian is to be notified as soon as practical.

Can the PSLO search a student and their belongings at any time?

The PSLO, acting upon the request of an administrator who has reasonable suspicion that a student has contraband, can conduct a warrant less search of a student, student's belongings, and a vehicle within the student's control which is parked on school property. State v. Angelia D.B. 211 Wis.2d 140 (1997).

Does the PSLO act as an administrator in the sense that he/she disciplines students for school rule violations?

No. Administrators will investigate school rule violations and issue discipline accordingly. An administrator may invite the PSLO to sit in on an interview to explain to a student the legal consequences of their behavior should that behavior continue or escalate. This is done as a proactive measure to influence students to choose positive behaviors.

Does having a full-time PSLO guarantee that my son/daughter will always be safe?

Maintaining safety is the responsibility of every person at school. It is expected that anyone with information regarding an unsafe act or possible dangerous situation will immediately contact school administration or the PSLO. Administrators work with the PSLO to resolve and correct disagreements and/or harassment issues between students before they become more serious.

Are other law enforcement officers allowed to interview students at school?

Yes. Wisconsin Rapids Public Schools and local law enforcement have established a partnership for the safety and well-being of all students. Interviews are conducted discreetly and only when necessary with the least amount of disruption to the student's schedule.

How can I contact the PSLO?

You may contact Andy Dewitt (PSLO) at 422-7170 or you may e-mail him at andrew.dewitt@wrps.org. Contact can be made on school days between the hours of 8 a.m. and 3 p.m.