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School police outline traffic enforcement, graduation security and bus‑passing fines
Summary
A Brockton School Police liaison updated the committee on recent traffic enforcement near schools, fines for passing stopped school buses, and the security plan for graduation at Gillette Stadium, including license-plate reader equipment that requires policy review.
The Brockton School Police liaison reported May 6 on traffic incidents near schools, enforcement actions for motorists who do not stop for school buses, and security preparations for upcoming large events, including the high‑school graduation.
Lieutenant Banaka (school police liaison) said officers have responded to traffic crashes near schools and have stepped up enforcement when arrivals or dismissals create hazardous conditions. He reminded the public that the first offense for passing a stopped school bus in Massachusetts carries a $255 fine; a second offense within two years carries a $1,000 fine and a six‑month license suspension. The liaison said officers issued citations to motorists who failed to stop for buses.
On event security, Banaka described the district’s plan for Brockton High School’s June graduation at Gillette Stadium. The plan will include school police, city police, Brockton Fire, Brewster Ambulance and drone‑unit perimeter checks; the liaison said careful screening and a strict list of prohibited items will be enforced (no large bags, no umbrellas, no pyrotechnics, no laser pointers, and other items listed). He said admission gates will open at 9:30 a.m. and the ceremony starts at 11 a.m.
Banaka also reported that the district IT director installed license‑plate‑reader hardware at two locations (Belmont Street and Forest Avenue) but said the readers are not yet operational because policy and authorization requirements remain; he recommended review by a public‑safety subcommittee and district leadership before activation.
Committee members praised officers’ community engagement and emphasized the importance of enforcement at school drop‑off and pick‑up locations. Members asked about staffing; Banaka said the city budget includes three more school‑police positions and one candidate is currently in the academy; he urged the chief to accelerate hiring and noted the time required for background checks, fitness testing, academy and field training.
No formal committee action was required. The liaison said staff will circulate a written guide of prohibited items and security procedures for the graduation and will return with policy recommendations on license‑plate‑reader use.
