Huntley High police office gets praise for handling fight

During a recent lunch period at Huntley High School, two students got in a fight.

Huntley police officer Linda Hooten walked over to the students, put one in an arm lock and led him away.

"She knew how to handle herself with someone who was maybe 50, 60 pounds bigger than her," Police Chief John Perkins said.

The incident was one example of how Hooten's presence is helping keep kids safe at the high school, Perkins and others told the Huntley Unit District 158 school board Thursday.

Hooten is Huntley High School's school resource officer, a police liaison who addresses student safety -- including bullying, drugs, and physical and sexual violence.

Her constant presence in the high school allows her to build a rapport with students, Hooten said.

"The kids feel comfortable coming to us," Hooten said. "The majority of information is from these kids."

The steady stream of tips has paid off, Hooten said.

Two years ago, kids at the high school tipped Hooten off to a student who might be bringing a gun to school.

"We were able to pull him in and defuse the situation," Hooten said, not offering more details in the meeting.

Superintendent John Burkey witnessed Hooten and Huntley High School administrators handle a safety issue on a recent visit to the high school.

Burkey said he was impressed with the personal relationships Hooten and the high school staff had with the students involved.

"Every administrator and officer Hooten knew the kids by name," Burkey said.

Hooten said Huntley High School has fewer student safety issues than other high schools in McHenry County, but that some issues still present challenges.

"We've had a rash of thefts out there, iPods and other expensive gadgets kids bring to school," Hooten said. "There's a lot of bullying issues, especially among the freshmen."

But Huntley High School Principal Dave Johnson said the presence of a school resource officer has had a noticeable effect on students.

"There's a settling impact to have her in the building," Johnson said. "The kids know that you don't mess with her, and she is there as a very strong deterrent."