JAMESTOWN – Three days after it took place, the Newtown, Conn. tragedy was still very much on the minds of local officials in Chautauqua County on Monday. Flags throughout the county are at half mass to honor the 26 who died. In addition, local governments acknowledged the event during their monthly meetings. In Jamestown, the city council had a moment of silence at the start of its meeting and near the end of the meeting, several lawmakers took time to mention it.
City Councilman Steve Szwejbka, who is a former law enforcement officer and currently teaches Criminal Justice at Mercyhurst College in Erie, said it’s time to bring back the School Resource Officer program.
“We need to bring back the school resource officers. Too many districts that need them don’t have them now because of financial issues,” Szwejbka said. “I think the federal government needs to take a lead in that, maybe a combination of the justice department and department of education. They need to collaborate and reimburse agencies so we can put officers back into our schools. The students have a right to learn in a safe environment, and the teachers have an obligation to be able to teach in a safe environment.”
Szwejbka added that he believes there needs to be a ban reinstated on the sale of assault weapons. He also said that sentences for those who commit crimes with firearms should also be more severe.
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