Police patrol stepped up

Police patrolling around school grounds has increased dramatically over the past few weeks at Fort High.

“We were receiving so many complains from parents, teachers and even students that we had to take action,” Officer Courtier said.  “I wish I could patrol daily, but with eight schools expecting me to monitor their area, it’s not possible.”

Without Courtier around everyday, students were given the responsibility of driving maturely without a pair of eyes on them.  Unfortunately, administration had to contact the local police department about increasing patrol around schools’ grounds, previous to the start of each school day.

This move was intended to stimulate a better driving environment around FAHS and it has been noticed as a success by one individual.

“In knowing that there is likely a officer patrolling in the morning, I have noticed students driving slower and much more cautiously,” Senior Mitch Edquist said.  “I really have started abiding by the rules set and hope everyone else joins me, no one wants a hundred dollar citation so they can get to school thirty seconds early.”

Some students may be noticing positive changes in the driving around campus, but there is still room to improve for drivers.

Courtier was asked if he thought the increased policing was helping.

“You’d like to think so, but I just received a complaint about students driving over the grass just to save ten seconds.  It is little things similar to this, that will extend the situation,” Courtier said.

While sometimes it may seem like no one is watching, with such a high number of people in a school and so many people who care about safe driving, it is imperative that students continue to or begin to respect the driving laws around school.

Courtier believes that creating a safer environment does not benefit the police officers, it benefits students.

“Be responsible, you take on a huge responsibility when you get a license and drive a three or four thousand dollar weapon.  Don’t risk injuries, citations or a raised insurance level just to save a few minutes,” Courtier said.

In the future, students will likely have to focus on driving habits around school, because one imperfection may lead to something much larger than previously imagined.

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