News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Cookeville Police Department is looking for citizens ready to help keep kids safe for School Patrol positions.
Lieutenant Anthony Leonard said that members of the School Patrol act much like crossing guards. The responsibilities of the School Patrol include helping manage traffic as well as seeing children safely across the street and around vehicles.
“But really this is an opportunity for someone who wants to be involved and make a difference in the community,” Leonard said. “It’s an opportunity where somebody can make a difference in the lives of the children as well because they see the face every day. We love it when our crossing guards smile and wave at children and assist those families and they really get to know them by name and it becomes more of a relationship.”
Leonard said that School Patrol would be regularly working about 10 hours a week. A typical workday starts at about 7:15 in the morning as kids travel to school, and ends at around 8:15 a.m., Leonard said. Crossing guards will also be expected to help manage afternoon traffic after school, with shifts running between 2:45 p.m. and 3:15 p.m., Leonard said.
“So we would ask that those interested in the position would have a basic knowledge of traffic laws,” Leonard said. “And that they would have the ability to work in high volume traffic situations, that they would be able to communicate well verbally and also using hand signals.”
Leonard said those with open positions include Prescott Middle School, Cookeville High School, and Sycamore and Capshaw Elementary Schools. He said that applicants need not worry about applying too late, as the position is needed until the school year ends.
“But as the school years change and people’s availability changes, these positions typically don’t become completely filled, it’s common for us to continue to ask,” Leonard said. “As the school year starts there’s obviously more of a demand, then once the school year’s over for summer break and things like that, then this position won’t have any need until the next school year.”
Citizens can apply for School Patrol on the cookeville-tn.gov website or by going through the Cookeville website, clicking on the jobs tab, then clicking on School Patrol.
