New Haven officials propose middle school resource officer program
Leaders in New Haven are planning to add a school resource officer to middle schools to help young people connect to community services in an effort to deter young teens from violence.
Acting Police Chief David Zannelli said five of the city’s seven shootings so far this year have involved teenagers. Officials believe early intervention is key, and building relationships with students before they reach high school could help prevent future violence.
“This is a partnership,” Zannelli explained. “It’s not the police alone.”
The initiative includes New Haven’s Youth and Recreation Department, known as YARD, and could also include monthly parent conversations covering topics such as bullying and internet safety.
Lauren Stornelli, an assistant professor of psychology at the University of New Haven, says younger students may initially feel anxious or fearful around officers, so it’s a good idea to have a coordinated approach for introducing a police presence at the middle school level.
“The guidance counselor and the other resources are working in a positive manner with that resource officer with the mindset and ideal of having the best outcome for the students,” Stornelli explained.
Ronald Huggins, Deputy Director of the YARD, said the initiative is about meeting young people where they are and addressing underlying challenges such as trauma or bullying.
“This officer may be the primary contact person,” Huggins said, “but we have a range of services and programs to engage young people.” He said they can connect young people with counseling services, employment, activities, and the New Haven PAL program.
YARD is also expanding its offerings, including a newly funded program specifically for young girls, supported by a $90,000 grant through Project Longevity.
City officials said the goal is not enforcement, but connection— making sure that the school resource officer becomes someone the students and families can trust.
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