HISD police officers to eat breakfast, lunch with students

Houston Independent School District Superintendent Terry Grier recently announced a new breakfast and lunch initiative with the HISD Police Department.

Greier made the announcement while visiting Billy Reagan K-8 Education Center on the first day of classes for the 2012-13 academic year.

The initiative, which began Aug. 28, involves HISD police officers eating breakfast and lunch with students at various elementary and middle school campuses. The officers will participate in the program during normal patrol hours and when time permits, according to a district press release.

While on each campus, the HISD police officers will also meet with administrators and conduct safety and security checks.

The initiative is the idea of Alan Helfman, president of River Oaks Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram, who approached HISD Police Chief Jimmy Dotson with the idea.

"I have been passionate about this idea for several years and I'm pleased that it is finally coming to fruition," said Helfman in the press release. "It's wonderful that the officers will have another way to serve as role models and mentors for our children."

Dotson believes the officers' presence will boost the sense of security at HISD campuses. "The Houston ISD Police Department is committed to keeping our students safe and this new innovative program will provide a unique opportunity for officers to continue to protect our campuses while reaching out to the students," he said in the release.

The Crime Stoppers Safe School program is also lending its support to the new program, which will be funded by the HISD Police Association.

For more information, visit www.houstonisd.org.