Recently, one of the Benton Police Department School Resource Officers, Officer Jackson, came up with an idea to help make school zones safer. The idea was to place ‘No Cell Phone Use in School Zone’ signs up in every loading/unloading zone in the school district.
This idea came about since the law was passed in 2011 that prohibits the use of cell phones while operating a vehicle when passing a school building or school zone during school hours when children are present and outside. The law does still allow for cell phone use in case of an emergency to dial 911.
Ofc. Jackson then took the time to do a comprehensive survey of the entire school district, making a map of the locations they would be needed and a final count. After consulting with the Benton School District and the Benton Street Department, it was decided to forward with purchasing them.
It was decided that drug seizure money would be used to purchase the signs, which allows something positive to come out of what is usually a negative and hopefully help save lives. There were 32 reflective metal signs that were purchased and to ensure they were up in time for school, the school resource officers decided to put them up themselves.
This is one of several things we have in store this coming school year to help ensure the safety of the children in our community are provided with a safe learning environment.