Aug 30, 2007 9:17 pm US/Central
Dallas Officers Do Double Duty As Crossing Guards
by J.D. Miles
DALLAS (CBS 11 News) ―
Dallas police officers are being asked to take their turn at guard duty for kids crossing the street.
Many officers say they were surprised to be assigned as crossing guards when the school year started in Dallas.
The assignment comes at a time when officer shortages and slow response times are critical issues.
Parents with children who cross dangerous intersections welcome the sight.
"It's more authority. The cars stop when see police," said parent Noleia Ramirez. "The cars no see police the cars no stop."
"It's more security for my child too," said Jose Calderon.
But officers believe their time and ability to fight crime could be put to better use.
"We, as Dallas officers, are driven by calls, 911 calls. We need to go out and serve the citizens of this city and help protect them," said Senior Corporal Glenn White, Dallas Police Association.
Crossing guards are usually trained civilians hired by the police department. But 30 open positions have the city desperate for help.
"I'm told we have some interviews and some applications pending at this point, so I don't know if we'll fill them all, but hopefully we can fill as many as possible," said Dallas Police Lt. Vernon Hale.
Until then, some officers propose using officers from the Dallas Independent School District to wear the crossing guard vests.
"There's a better use for our resources and our manpower than to be crossing kids," he said. "There's a good idea with DISD police spending that 2 to 4 hours a day crossing those children."
(CBS 11 News)
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