19 Jan 2007
Chief Blackburn: We're Working To Make This Department A School-Policing Model
DALLAS—While the Dallas Independent School District's Police and Security Services Department is in search of candidates to fill more than 20 police officer positions, the department's chief, John Blackburn, says tough organizational standards are helping raise the bar on who is hired to protect the well-being of Dallas students, teachers and the community's facilities.
Prior to advertising the positions, Blackburn said a new hiring process was put in place to ensure professional officers will be selected.
Officers applying must have a high school diploma, pass a physical agility test, pass integrity and job-skills surveys and scenario-based writing exercises, and are subject to a polygraph test before being hired. Candidates also will undergo a background investigation, psychological testing, and a medical examination that includes drug testing. Candidates also must have certification from the Texas Commission of Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education.
"The standards we set are tough. We are looking for the right candidates who pledge to keep children safe at school, assure teachers about their work environment, and secure school facilities," Blackburn said.
The department's compensation package ranges from $37,056 to $45,778 and is highly competitive for those who have higher levels of TCLEOSE certifications. The district also offers a group insurance plan, as well as a retirement plan with the state's Teachers Retirement System.
Blackburn said that by raising the selection standards for police officers, it will raise the quality of the service offered by the department. As of January, the department employed 86 police officers, serving three shifts with a patrol division, and staffing at all high schools throughout the Dallas ISD with at least one police officer. Additional safety coverage is provided by district security personnel.
"The Dallas ISD Police and Security Department is only a couple of years old in its present form," Blackburn said. "We are seeking to grow the professionalism and operations of this department and make it the best it can be. In line with district objectives, we intend to make this agency a premier school police department."
The chief said most officers will begin their career in the district in the Campus Services Division. The duty hours generally consist of a five-day workweek, eight hours per day, Monday through Friday with full pay and benefits.
From the first day, officers will apply classroom knowledge to real situations under the guidance of seasoned police officers. After completing the initial training period, officers will put their new skills to work at various assigned campuses. Once training is completed, officers will have the opportunity to qualify for additional units such as patrol, gang intelligence and criminal investigation.
Blackburn said several improvements already have taken place in the eight months he has been with Dallas ISD, after leaving Houston ISD. He said the addition of new patrol cars, the establishment of a departmental Web site (www.dallasisd.org/pd), and the new hiring standards are among the first of several important moves.
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