By Sue-Ann Wayow

THE GOVERNMENT is seeking to strengthen security measures at schools by having police officers stationed at certain school compounds.

Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander said on Thursday a new initiative with a new name will be  launched in collaboration with the Ministry of Education to ensure safety of pupils and staff emphasising that it was not a continuation of what was labelled as the “school safety officers programme.”

He said the operations would be conducted and overseen by Commissioner of Police Allister Guevarro.

Speaking at post Cabinet media briefing Alexander said, “The operation of this particular thing would be done by the Commissioner of Police as he sees fit according to what type of school it is. There are both male and female schools so we will treat with that.”

When asked if the measure to ensure school safety would be a continuation or a new initiative, he replied, “This will be a new initiative because we are looking to have a real impact. I don’t know if you saw any real impact coming from the last couple of initiatives but we are looking to get a positive and a real impact, our establishment of this particular unit when it comes out.”

 Alexander said, “The angle this government is looking at, is to have law enforcement officers who would be precepted so in case something happens they will be able to treat with it in the best way. If persons violate the law, they will be dealt with, there and then.”

He also said citizens may agree or disagree with the measure but “we have to do it for the benefit of our citizens.”