Tribe Funds Resource Officer
Jan 11, 2011
Salmon River District Students & Staff Benefit from Officer’s Presence in School System
Corporal Martin Jock was recently sworn in as the School Resource Officer (SRO) for the Salmon River School District. The resource officer acts as a liaison between students, families, teachers and educational administrators. Corporal Jock’s duties will include; providing safety and security to all areas of the school, to make appropriate arrests and referrals for "PINS", and to provide a visible resource for students and faculty. He will be located in the Salmon River Schoolin the district which serves a large proportion of Mohawk students from the adjacent Native community. “Almost 70% of students in the Salmon River School Districts are Mohawk,” observed Tribal Chief Monica Jacobs. “The School Resource Officer plays an important role in the learning experience of all students in the district, not just the Mohawk students.”
Due to cutbacks in the New York State budget, state funding for the position was withdrawn in 2010, but the tribe stepped in to provide the financial support to continue this position. “This again demonstrates our commitment to providing a safe and secure community and school environment,” said Mark Garrow, Tribal Chief.
“The St. Regis Mohawk Tribe is a good neighbor,” noted Tribal Chief Randy Hart. “This is another example of how we are able to provide the support to meet a need. This position provides benefits to each and every student and staff person in the school district.”
Corporal Jock has been serving as a patrol officer with the St. Regis Mohawk Tribal Police Department since 1999. Before that, he worked as the Program Manager and an Emergency Medical Technician for the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne's Ambulance Unit. “We’re pleased and happy to fill this important position,” commented Tribal Police Chief Andy Thomas. “Marty has the right personality for this job and I’m sure will be successful in carrying out those duties.” Officer Jock began his position as School Resource Officer on January 3, 2011.
For more information: David T. Staddon, Director Public Information, Tel: (518) 358-2272 ext. 286.