Oliver Ames High School has received a new resource officer to help with the protection, consultation, and support of the students. Officer Aker has been a resident of North Easton for twenty years and has served with the police department for fifteen years. He also has years of experience as a past resource officer to the Regional High School.
His outlook on his role in the community is a refreshing take on what it means to be a police officer in a high school of the 21st century.
“A resource officer is someone who should try to be involved in the community,” said Officer Aker. “(The main purpose) is to build trust between the police department and the wider community. ”
Officer Aker previously served in the Iraq war as Sargent Aker and was deployed from 2003 to 2004 in the intelligence department. Though hired right out of service by the police department, he felt that his calling was with students and serving the school’s community.
“Modern era police are expected to do everything. We are supposed to be councilors, enforcers, and safety officers all at the same time”, said Officer Aker, “If you were to ask me what position is strictly geared to do what police do while serving the community, that is the resource officer.”
Officer Aker provides a plentiful amount of support for how a strengthened relationship between the police and the community can change the way a students and the community see those who protect and serve.
*Officer Aker can be found in the atrium in the morning and after school as well as in his office during the day.*