The Newton Police Department and Newton School District have a partnership which puts two School Resource Officers in the community’s schools. Newton Police Captain Chris Wing oversees those officers. He told the Newton School Board this week how important he feels the School Resource Officers are.

“I really appreciate your commitment to the SRO Program. I think it’s incredibly vital that students and young people see police officers in a positive light, and these two officers do an explementary job of doing that.”

Captain Wing added he takes filling the SRO positions very seriously.

“When I put someone in, I want them to be the best they can be in that position and represent our department and the community the best. Going into this year I considered moving some people around and creating some new blood in there. But with the High School and Berg Middle School principals being new, I decided it was not a great year to make a change. I need some veteran leadership and I couldn’t ask for any better than these two.”

Officers Julie Britton and Kyle Lovan are Newton’s School Resource Officers who work in the High School and Berg Middle School. The police department lists their primary role as helping prevent and address issues among students. They are available to parents and school staff who have concerns about students. The SROs also participate in school programs and events to build and maintain relationships with students and their parents.