Resource officers pending

By fall, Chico Police Chief Mike O’Brien is hoping to have two full-time school resource officers working on Chico campuses.

O’Brien (pictured) said it has been six years since the city has had officers acting in such a capacity, and he is “very excited and very appreciative” for the opportunity. He said that the officers will be mobile, but most likely spend a lot of time at high schools. Officers will provide student safety as well as opportunities for young people to have positive interactions with law enforcement.

The positions—$145,580 each in salaries and benefits—aren’t entirely funded yet. One was approved last fiscal year. O’Brien needs about $42,000 from the City Council to be able to hire a second, as Chico Unified School District is expected to contribute about $103,000, according to the city.