HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-22-20 Public Comment M. Haughey - SROs in 20 - 21 Budget Review and Public CommentFrom:Megan Haughey
To:Agenda
Subject:20 - 21 Budget Review and Public Comment
Date:Monday, June 22, 2020 1:10:05 PM
Dear City Commision -
As you move towards approval of the budget for the July 1st deadline, I urge you to consider
the requests made by much of the public to deny funding for an additional SRO officer at thenew High School. I would like to add my voice to this request.
I have appreciated the last few council discussions around the budget and have gained new
perspectives and a better understanding each Monday. I recognize the SRO officer is partiallyfunded by the highschool and I assume requested by them. As voices are being raised
requesting a shift to funding counselors and removing SRO officers - I think it would benefitthe conversation to hear from the highschool. However, it is in the Commission's power to
affect change in this instance and consider the substantial evidence that SRO offices are noteffective. Many educational boards in cities large and small throughout the country are
canceling their contracts with police departments and preparing to remove all SRO officers.Bozeman should not see itself as an exception or let this opportunity pass. The school district
carries the responsibility to push towards removing additional SROs but the commision caninfluence and help this conversation by at least limiting the increase of existin
g SRO officers. Considering, this actually seems like a small contribution to a largerdiscussion.
Thank You
Megan3016 Erwin Ave