Received this and thought of Open High:

Bryan T. Norwood
Chief of Police

Contact: Gene Lepley
Richmond Police Department
Phone 804-646-0607
Fax 804-646-3496
http://www.richmondgov.com/police
For Immediate Release

News Release
Chief Norwood Introduces Safe Corridors Initiative

Aug. 31, 2009
With the first day of school a week away, Chief Bryan T. Norwood and the Richmond Police Department have plans in place to help Richmond Public Schools students start the school year off right.

Chief Norwood, along with Schools Superintendent Yvonne Brandon, will introduce the Safe Corridors Initiative at a 10:30 a.m. press conference Tuesday, Sept. 1, at John Marshall High School, 4225 Old Brook Road.

“Safe Corridors is about the safety of our young people in school and out of school,” Chief Norwood said. “We want them to have safe passage as they travel the hallways at school and the roadways on the way to and from school. Our target audience is our high school students.”

“Richmond Public Schools is about the business of education. As such, the safety and security of our students is paramount,” said Dr. Brandon. “We look forward to our continued collaboration with the Richmond Police Department, and appreciate all of their efforts in helping to provide a safe environment for our students.”

The Department has a school resource officer assigned to each public high school in the city. The officers work with Richmond Public Schools security officers to resolve any crime-related issues that may arise during the school day. Some of the school resource officers take their role a step further by serving as mentors for students and also assist with directing or coaching extracurricular activities at the schools.

High school students with cars should be aware of speed limits and all safe driving laws, especially those regarding seat belts and cell phone usage. The Department’s Traffic Unit and sector officers from each precinct will increase traffic and radar enforcement in and around school zones.

“Our goal with Safe Corridors is to provide a safe learning environment and overall community for our students,” Chief Norwood said. “We want them to focus all of their energy on their education.”