Officer plans to be a resource

Bisset values being part of educational community

Resource+Officer+Michael+Bisset+looks+forward+to+fostering+relationships+with+students.

Photo Ryan Strobel

Resource Officer Michael Bisset looks forward to fostering relationships with students.

Diana Roy, Opinion Editor

New school Resource Officer Michael Bisset looks forward to getting involved within the academic community, and serving as a trustworthy figure for students during the 2016-2017 year.
Bisset is a 2007 Algonquin graduate, and a member of the Northborough Police Department.

“It’s odd for me right now, because I went to this school,” Bisset said. “But a lot of the teachers and faculty are still the same, except I know them all as ‘Ms. Brillhart’ or ‘Mr. Laughton,’ so I [don’t] know first names.”

Bisset wants students to know that his purpose as the school Resource Officer is not to police the school or patrol the hallways, but to be there for students seeking help or guidance.

“At the school itself, I’m just here to get to know the student body, let them know my position, and I hope to be a resource that students feel comfortable coming and talking to,” Bisset said. “If students try to find out what’s going on with their friend, how should [they] proceed, [or] if there’s a question about drugs and alcohol, then I’m a good resource to go to with that.”

Bisset’s list of services do not end there.

“I’m potentially tasked with being the expert when it comes to juvenile law,” Bisset said. “So any incidents involving a person, a juvenile, under 18, get forwarded to me to investigate further.”

Bisset’s daily responsibilities vary depending on what is happening at the school on any given day.

“My typical day [is] more of going and speaking to different people, either with the student body or the faculty and staff, and to just try and check up on people,” Bisset said. “So some days I’ll go sit down in Ms. Morrison’s drama class, or you’ll find me in the band room, listening to them play.”

Students shouldn’t be alarmed if Bisset sits in on a few of their classes, or even participates in a discussion or activity.

“I went to school to be a teacher, so I actually like being a part of the school,” Bisset said. “I teach DARE as well to the fifth grade, so it’s always something I’ve wanted to get back into. The fact that teachers are approaching me and asking me to come up and speak in some of their classes is very nice and I enjoy doing that.”

Bisset has taken over the duties that Jeremy Trefry previously held, and will remain an active presence in the school, as both a school Resource Officer, and a Juvenile Detective for the town of Northborough.

Bisset is familiar with fellow Northborough policeman Trefry.

“We were in very close departments, [but] Trefry got promoted to Sergeant,” Bisset said. “I don’t think he would have left if he hadn’t been promoted, [because] he was enjoying his time here thoroughly.”

Bisset has one request for students walking by the the Upper School Office.

“I have a bowl of candy that’s here, and my office is always open, so if anyone wants to just grab something, then they should feel free,” Bisset said.

Bisset, if unavailable, can be reached through the Upper School Office secretaries Charlotte Brillhart and Christine Lanotte.