Dedicated to School Safety and Student Success
The Newton Police Department’s School Resource Officer (SRO) Program is dedicated to creating a safe, supportive, and positive learning environment for students, staff, and families within the Newton Public School District.
Patrolman Justin Bellis serves as the School Resource Officer for Newton Public Schools, including Merriam Avenue Elementary School, Halsted Middle School, and Newton High School. In this role, Officer Bellis works closely with school administrators, teachers, students, and parents to promote school safety while building strong, positive relationships throughout the school community.
The role of a School Resource Officer extends far beyond law enforcement. As an SRO, Officer Bellis focuses on three core areas: safety, education, and mentorship. He maintains a visible and approachable presence within the schools, assists with safety planning and emergency preparedness, and serves as a trusted resource for students of all ages.
Newton High School
Each year, Officer Bellis meets with the Junior and Senior classes during Prom Week to speak about the dangers of impaired driving and the importance of never drinking and driving. To reinforce this message, he coordinates a hands-on drunk driving simulation on the high school football field, where students navigate a course using golf carts while wearing drunk goggles. This safe but impactful exercise demonstrates how alcohol impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction time.
Halsted Middle School
Officer Bellis teaches the L.E.A.D. (Law Enforcement Against Drugs and Violence) program annually to the 5th grade students at Halsted Middle School. This is a 10 weeklong program that focuses on helping students develop decision-making skills, resist peer pressure, and build positive habits that support long-term success.
Merriam Avenue Elementary School
At Merriam Avenue Elementary School, Officer Bellis meets with Pre-K classes to teach pedestrian safety. These lessons emphasize crossing the road safely with a trusted adult, using designated crosswalks, and understanding the role of crossing guards at specific locations throughout the town.
Building Positive Connections
A cornerstone of the SRO program is reinforcing positive behavior. Officer Bellis proudly participates in the Positive Ticket initiative, created by The Center for Prevention and Counseling. Positive Tickets are awarded to students who are observed demonstrating kindness, responsibility, respect, and positive decision-making. This program allows officers to recognize positive actions while strengthening trust and positive relationships between youth and law enforcement.
The Newton Police Department believes that strong connections between officers and students help build safer schools and a stronger community. Through education, mentorship, and positive engagement, the School Resource Officer Program plays an essential role in supporting the safety, well-being, and success of Newton’s students.