This program began in 1980 to address the problems of truants committing burglaries. The program is now extended to the five middle schools and four high schools in Hampton , addressing issues such as substance abuse, youth violence, and associated criminal offenses. The School System provides these officers with vehicles, communications that transmit to each of the high schools, video surveillance equipment, cameras, and open access to any school. Each school principal is available at any time to these officers.
Mission
- To foster a positive relationship with the City's youth while educating them on their responsibilities to the community.
Results
- Cooperative efforts of the Hampton School Division and the Police Division have proven to be effective in interrupting and frustrating delinquent activity on school property.
Presently, the School Enforcement Unit is comprised of two officers and a drug dog, utilizing various methods in their efforts to curtail delinquency. These methods include videotaping in which filming is done (of primarily smoking areas) in the morning hours and during lunch. Students identified on the tape are interviewed and handled administratively. Area searches are also conducted at alternate gathering sites such as arcades, shopping malls, side streets and wooded areas with the permission of the property owners. Canine detection provides a tightly controlled search to detect and seize drugs found on school property, primarily automobiles and lockers. Finally, drug lectures round out the program by contributing to public awareness of the problem, its symptoms, and its effects on not only the individual, but also the community. Presentations for students, staff, and parents begin in elementary school and cover what drugs look like, paraphernalia, terminology, physical effects and laws. Persons charged with offenses by the School Detail are handled on a case-by-case basis and are subject to progressive discipline through the school system. An initial encounter with drug or alcohol related offenses results in mandatory substance abuse counseling.
For more information, please email chiefsoffice@hampton.gov or call (757) 727-6510.