Prevention, Deterrence before Apprehension

In April of 1985 the Campus Police Department was established. There were only 12 officers and support staff to provide for the safety and security of our schools and to answer calls for service during school hours. Our jurisdiction covers approximately 360 square miles, 60 educational centers, 5 other Board buildings, approximately 35000 students and 4500 staff. With the exception of Tybee Island, there is at least one Board building in each municipality and the unincorporated areas of Chatham County. In 1993, the Chatham County Police Department assigned officers as SRO's to each of the districts middle and high schools. Their job was to interact with the students, show them that an officer could be a friend and to maintain a high visibility to deter violence.

In March 1998, the Savannah- Chatham County School Board decided it would do it's own policing. That it would have it's own police department, with it's own police officers and support staff. In 1998 Capt. Bryant was appointed Chief and twenty-six people were hired to fill the positions of Supervisor, Investigator, School Resource Officer, Patrol Officer, Clerk and Dispatcher.

In December of 1999 the Campus Police hired 10 more School Resource Officers under the COPS IN SCHOOLS grant to be placed in the Elementary Schools. These officers will teach DARE and EDDIE EAGLE and many other programs geared towards the youngest of school age children.

Over the past year, 1998-1999, we have updated our Communications Center to include a Computer Aided Dispatch console, a digital ID camera, became an Entering Agency for GCIC (police agency that can enter items, persons, vehicles, etc. into the Georgia Crime Information Center computer database). The officers completed over 6000 hours of training during our first year of service. And an in-house Board programmer created a computer database that compiles pertinent GCIC information. This database not only creates the required monthly report to GCIC but also creates Board required reports. With this database, our department can access information at the touch of a button.

Also during the school year of 1998-1999, our School Resource Officers started Youth Crime Watch groups and a Second Chance for Youth group for young men. One of our officers put on a play that showed the dismal reality of gang life and what good things can happen when you turn away from that type of life. The SRO's have become very involved with all the students, even acting as mentors.

As of Decemeber 2005, our department is staffed with a Chief, Captain, 4 Sergeants, 1 Corporal Investigator, 30 Officers, 5 Communications Officers, 1 Front Desk Receptionist, an Officer Manager and a Clerk. Our vision for the future is an extensive one. Our officers and staff are highly motivated to ensure the children of Chatham County are provided that level of service deserving of our school system.