Chief's Corner: Melanie Bevan, BPD

The first day of a new school year can be exciting–and scary–for children and their parents or caregivers. The Bradenton Police Department has been preparing throughout the summer to ensure families have peace of mind as the first day of class approaches.

BPD employs School Resource Officers, all of which are certified law enforcement officers, at three schools within the City of Bradenton. Officer Jennifer Lesko and Officer Shawn Gow are returning to Manatee High School full-time, and Officer Eric Williams, who previously worked as a Community Redevelopment Agency officer, will join students as the new full-time officer assigned to W.D. Sugg Middle School.

Officers Michael Stonebridge and Curtis Johnson will share SRO duties at Manatee Elementary School again this school year. Over the summer, all of our SROs participated in active-shooter training exercises and attended a weeklong, comprehensive training seminar organized by the Florida Association of School Resource Officers. Additionally, Officer Williams underwent Crisis Intervention Training. In addition to our officers assigned to these schools, BPD will have an increased presence on and near school campuses for the first days of classes.

Your children's safety getting to and from school is just as important to us. We understand the first days of class can be a learning experience for parents dropping students off at new schools, young drivers driving themselves to school, and motorists adjusting their routines. BPD will conduct high-visibility traffic enforcement operations before, and after, school during the first several days of classes. Warnings and citations will be handed out to drivers who exceed the posted speed limit or park in no-parking zones, among other infractions. A friendly reminder that speeding fines are doubled in a school zone or designated school crossing. We’ll also be on the lookout for drivers using any electronic devices while behind the wheel, and checking for seatbelt use. Drivers, front passengers, and minors must be wearing a seat belt or, for younger children, in a child seat.

New and returning crossing guards recently spent time in the classroom undergoing refresher training on Florida’s laws for motorists and pedestrians, and are ready to greet students on their first day. In addition to assisting and supervising children at designated crossings, crossing guards report drivers who commit traffic violations at school crosswalks to the police department. While we’re fortunate to have all of our crossing guard positions filled, we are always accepting applications for those interested in part-time employment. You can learn more at this link: bradentonpd.com/schoolcrossingguard.

Finally, young people (ages 14-20) seeking to earn community service hours which are required for Bright Futures scholarships, are encouraged to apply to the Bradenton Police Explorers Program. Through weekly training sessions, BPD Explorers become familiar with all aspects of law enforcement, including patrol procedures, traffic stops, arrest procedures, traffic and criminal law, criminal investigations, traffic crash investigations, and firearms safety. Additionally, Explorers assist with community service projects, meet new people, and have a lot of fun. Read more, and apply, at bradentonpd.com/explorerprogram.

Here’s to a great 2022-2023 school year!