Poland Township Police Chief Testifies on School Resource Officer Agreements

Poland Township Police Chief Advocates for Continued School Resource Officer Program

POLAND TOWNSHIP, OH – Greg Wilson, Chief of Police for Poland Township, testified Tuesday before an Ohio legislative committee in Columbus, urging lawmakers to amend state law to allow townships to continue providing school resource officers (SROs) to private schools. The issue stems from a recent Ohio Attorney General’s ruling that prohibits non-home rule townships from entering into Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) for SROs with chartered nonpublic schools.

Chief Wilson explained that Poland Township currently has an MOU with Holy Family School, a three-year agreement nearing its conclusion. He emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating that the department “built our department around the community and schools.” The ruling prompted concern within the township, leading trustees to pass a resolution on November 19th supporting legislation – Senate Bill 318, sponsored by state Senator Al Cutrona – to address the issue.

The core of the dispute revolves around financial responsibility and formal agreements. According to Wilson, without an MOU in place, questions arise regarding funding for the SRO position, job descriptions, and shared financial obligations. He highlighted that Holy Family School has even increased tuition to help cover the cost of the school resource officer, demonstrating the school’s commitment to the program.

The concerns were initially brought to the township’s attention by the Mahoning County Prosecutor’s Office after an Ohio township sought clarification on the legality of establishing an MOU with a private school. Wilson expressed surprise at the ruling, emphasizing the integral role the police department plays within the school community.

Poland Township trustees further underscored their support for the continued partnership in written testimony submitted to the Ohio Senate Education Committee on Monday. They argued that the safety of all children within the township, regardless of whether they attend public or private school, is a paramount concern. Trustee Eric Ungaro stated that the township is seeking only the ability to make responsible, local decisions that reflect the needs of the community, and is not requesting mandates or state funding.

Wilson’s ultimate goal is to secure a change to Ohio Revised Code Section 3313.951, enabling all Ohio township police departments to enter into similar agreements with chartered private schools within their jurisdictions. He believes that addressing this issue for Poland Township will have broader implications for school safety across the state, stating, “We are doing this for us, but it can affect all Ohio townships. We are taking this on for our kids at Holy Family School.”