Superintendent and Police Officer at Odds

The Decatur police department and school system are at odds over a resource officer on campus. Decatur police Officer Jeannie Yates worked on the high school, middle school and elementary campuses as a resource officer since October, but problems between her and the superintendent has caused her to leave. Decatur police Chief Terry Luker says the Decatur superintendent, Mike Parrish, does not allow Yates to do her job. The chief says four or five teachers have actually contacted him to complain about certain incidents not being taken seriously. The Chief cited one incident where a student complained of getting hit by his father, and Officer Yates wasn`t allowed to talk to the boy and properly investigate. After a heated argument between Officer Yates and Superintendent Parrish last Thursday, Chief Luker decided to remove Officer Yates from the campus until the situation is resolved, "It feels like we arent getting any help. Its like our own superintendent has his own agenda" Officer Yates has worked with the police department for the last three years and never had a problem before. The Chief says he has received countless calls from parents concerned about their children`s safety. KNWA contacted the Decatur superintendent and he says he has no comment. Officer Yates said while the situation between her and the Superintendent is tense, she will return to campus if she is needed there and if the police chief says its okay.