Hooksett must increase the size of its police force. Funding for three additional officers is included in the 2001-02 budget to be considered by voters on May 8. One of these will be a school resource officer. We have all read about the increase in school violence and the scary things happening in schools across the United States. Numerous articles have been written about the value of having a police officer stationed in school.
Children get to know and trust the officer.
Potentially troubling situations are reported to the officer in advance. At the polls, we encourage all residents to support Article 26, the annual operating budget approved by the town council and budget committee. A vote for this article will fund the three new police officers, including the one dedicated to our three schools. A vote against means Hooksett will not be able to add the officers and will once again be operating on a default budget. We urge the citizens of Hooksett to vote yes on Article 26.