The landscape of school safety is evolving, and Greenfield-Central has taken a significant step by opening its own police department for the school district. According to Greenfield-Central Schools, the new department comes complete with a chief and a dedication to ensure student and staff safety. The administration and school board’s decision to launch their own police department has made GC the first in Hancock County to implement such a measure. New Chief Toby Deaton, in a statement obtained by Greenfield-Central Schools, emphasized the commitment to safety, stating, "The fact that GC is the first in Hancock County to do this speaks volumes to their goal– safety for students and staff."
Prior to this initiative, the schools already had school resource officers (SROs) on site, but the formation of the department aims to extend beyond the previous arrangement with local law enforcement agencies. This transition is set to provide not only more autonomy but also to create the opportunity for building unique rapport between the officers and the school community. While SROs in GC schools are not a new concept, having a dedicated department allows them to always have familiar faces present, without the interruption of trying to fill vacancies or requiring substitutes during officer absences.
Chief Toby Deaton, though new to the community, comes with an impressive 23 years of law enforcement experience. Stationed out of Weston Elementary School, Deaton aims to not just oversee the safety measures but also to advocate for the kids and serve as a resource for the parents. His multifaceted daily interactions range from engaging with students during recreational activities to participating in parent meetings and even assisting in seemingly small tasks such as opening syrup packets during lunch. According to the chief, "It’s not just a uniform and a badge– there’s a person there," he proclaimed to Greenfield-Central Schools.
The overarching goal of this initiative, as highlighted by Superintendent Dr. Harold Olin, is to ensure day-to-day coverage and consistency in officers within the schools. Olin expressed his excitement about having Chief Deaton lead this new venture, noting "He brings a wealth of law enforcement experience to our school community, and he has a true passion for student safety." Beyond safeguarding the school premises, each SRO also undertakes specialized roles, contributing to the overall law enforcement framework of the department, as Assistant Superintendent Jason Cary explained to Greenfield-Central Schools.
