In May 2023, the removal of School Police Liaison Officers (SPLOs) from SD61 schools left our community grappling with heightened safety concerns. As we analyze the repercussions, it becomes evident that the absence of SPLOs has compromised the safety and security of our educational institutions and provided an opportunity for gangs to exploit the vulnerability of our youth.
The decision to completely eliminate SPLOs raised several critical issues, notably the lack of consultation with the broader community.