Police officer joins the halls of Jefferson HS

The first day of a new work assignment is always tense.

Yet imagine being in full police uniform as more than 1,500 students crowd school hallways at lunch, wondering why you are there.

Cedar Rapids Police Officer Jen Roberts has been in law enforcement for a decade, but Monday - her first day as the school resource officer at Jefferson High School - brought plenty of buzz.

“We're here to help them, not just to arrest them,” Roberts said in a packed hallway during the lunch periods on Monday. “It's a chance to get to know the kids on a different level and not just negative connotations.”

The Cedar Rapids Police Department said Roberts will serve at Jefferson three days a week for the rest of the school year, and the department is picking up the expense.

Principal Chuck McDonnell said, in his six years at Jefferson, this school year has had fewer disciplinary incidents than past years have.

“It's the power of the blue,” McDonnell said of having a uniformed officer in the hall. “Some kids may be on better behavior just from seeing that.”

McDonnell said he and Cedar Rapids Police Chief Greg Graham have previously worked in cities where officers in schools are more common.

As Roberts met students and walked through the cafeteria, her presence was the topic of conversation around the tables.

“If there's a person of authority in the building, sure, I'll feel safer,” junior Zach Kelchen said.

“I don't think it'll make that much of a difference,” junior Jenni Chung said. “Maybe it will scare people.”

Students also had differing thoughts on whether an officer was necessary.

“It's no surprise,” junior Jenny Reinert said. “We have cops here every other day. What's the difference?”

“I appreciate the help because stuff is going on and this makes me feel a little safer,” Jake Marzen, a junior, said.

The school district said Roberts, a Jefferson alumna herself, offers a strong background in working with teenagers and other minors. While she may be getting to know the students now, Roberts said she is an officer first.

“We make arrests just like any other officer on the street.”

Chris Earl, KCRG-TV