Dawn Ostrem
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Oct 03/01) - Too much crime and too few officers put an end to a full-time police presence at schools this year, according to the RCMP.

Const. Maria McManus was once a full-time school liaison, but she is now needed for court duties. No one replaced her. - Dawn Ostrem/NNSL photo

A full-time school liaison officer had been on the job for several years, but the position was cut in June.

"We have to deal with the resources we have the best we can," Staff Sgt. Al McCambridge told Yellowknifer last week.

The officer usually filling that position was put back on patrol as the force is busier than expected this fall and has no one to spare, he said.

Instead, police have officers designated for each school. Students can expect random appearances.

"It's when we can and as best we can," said McCambridge.

That was the case on Sept. 21 when Sir John Franklin high school held its annual homecoming dance in the school gymnasium.

Three girls got a hold of some booze, became drunk and had to be taken home. Two were driven by teachers and the third by a police officer.

"That is the kind of help you need when you are dealing with three Grade 9 and 10 girls," said principal Anne-Mieke Cameron.

The three girls, who Cameron said are generally good students, were suspended. She said how they got the alcohol is more concerning.

"These are the kids that eventually become doctors, she said, adding the ones who do have real problems usually don't show up drunk at school dances.

"It was suggested to me someone was selling (the alcohol) ... a person hanging around the liquor store."

McCambridge said that for those situations, officers will continue a close relationship with schools.

"We take that extremely seriously ... we will proceed to prosecute without question," he said. "But we also have to rely on co-operation from the community, we have ask parents to take more of a role."

Other educators in the city said they are sorry to see the designated school liaison officer go, but are determined to use the resources they have to make up for the loss.

"We would like to continue with a liaison program," admitted William McDonald principal Gordon Breen.

"Last year she, the counsellor and I identified about six topics students would benefit hearing from. They need to hear those kinds of things."

Cameron confirmed that.

"There are some hard-case kids that really need help," she said. "And we are making such good progress."