Mount Dora police to take over middle school's security needs

MOUNT DORA, Fla. — City leaders said a pilot program that placed Mount Dora police offers in a high school has proven so successful that it will be expanded to a middle school.
 
In the year since Mount Dora police officers replaced Lake County sheriff's deputies at Mount Dora High School, officers said they've been able to prevent crimes through the relationships they've built with students.

Because of the program's success, it will soon be expanded to Mount Dora Middle School. The program's expansion will be funded by a grant.
 
Police said they've received valuable tips throughout the school year about crimes both on and off campus.
 
In March, a police officer was tipped off that a student had a box cutter in her backpack. The officer quickly seized the weapon and arrested the girl.

Since the new school-resource officer took over, students said there have been fewer fights on campus.
 
"I think he knew more people personally, and he kept more people calm in situations," said high-school student Nicholas Longoria.
 
There have been 35 fewer juvenile arrests in the city since launching the pilot program, officials said.

WFTV