Stephanie Love pushes for school police amid safety concerns

During a recent government meeting, Stephanie Love highlighted the absence of a legislative agenda while outlining her priorities for the upcoming month. Love emphasized her commitment to advancing universal pre-kindergarten education and establishing a dedicated police force for Memphis and Shelby County schools.

Addressing concerns about safety in schools, Love referenced a tragic incident involving a student who was shot while walking home, underscoring the need for enhanced security measures. She acknowledged potential criticism of the police force initiative but argued that it could coexist with mental health support and training programs, such as Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) training.

Love noted that school resource officers are trained similarly to members of the Memphis Police Department (MPD) and the sheriff's department, suggesting that a dedicated police presence could alleviate some of the burdens on local law enforcement. She pointed out that the MPD and sheriff's department are often stretched thin, and having a specialized police force in schools could help ensure student safety while allowing law enforcement to focus on other community needs.

With a decade of experience on the school board, Love expressed a desire for greater collaboration with federal authorities to enhance school safety and educational initiatives. The discussions reflect a growing recognition of the need for comprehensive strategies that address both security and mental health in educational environments.