Sheriff deputies to begin patrolling Butler County schools

LIBERTY TWP., Ohio - Butler County Sheriff Richard Jones has rolled out a new plan that he hopes will make school safer. Everyday, at least once a day, a uniformed deputy will stop by one of 30 schools under the sheriff's jurisdiction.

Jones' initiative was crafted with the help of retired Mason police officer Scott Miller, who has been sworn in as a Butler County deputy with the intention to safeguard any school in Ohio, but also serves as a substitute teacher.

Miller was forced to retire when he was injured after being hit by a vehicle two different times while on the job, and decided to be a substitute teacher following his retirement so he could remain in public service. When the plan was announced in January, Miller said that he is willing to put his life on the line for any child.

"No child should be fearful of going to school," Miller said. "Something is better than nothing, but this is better than that."

The sheriff called the initiative a "fresh idea, outside the box" proposal.

Nikki Doherty, a parent with children at Independence Elementary School in Liberty Township, reacted positively to the news of officers randomly appearing in Butler schools.

"My first reaction, I think it would be great," Doherty said.  "I think it would be great for the kids to see a police officer at the school, but I do feel that our schools are pretty safe and it's not something I've ever worried about. But then on the other hand I think it's good because it's preemptive."

Lt. John Sons with the sheriff's office said he also believes the program will be a benefit to students.

"Everybody likes to think it will never happen here, but you never know when or where it's going to happen," Sons said. "So we want to be as prepared as we possibly can."