New Champaign school resource officer dealt with two threats in one month

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — The Champaign Unit 4 School District’s new school resource officer knew his job was keeping students and staff safe, but he had no idea he’d be investigating two school threats in the first month of his job.

Brandon Walton has been working with kids for more than six years, first helping guide youth at the Lincoln’s Challenge Academy in Rantoul, and now, as Champaign Schools’ new school resource officer.

“I know what kind of leadership and mentors that I needed growing up,” he said. “And I feel like a lot of the times that I can relate in so many instances to a lot of the youth just based upon the way they’re growing up.”

Walton said his ability to foster positive relationships with students is why he chose the job.

“The youth is our future, and I want to be a part of assisting with molding that,” he added.

It’s also why it saddens him when kids call in school threats.

On Monday, a 14-year-old called 911 with a false report of a gun threat in Centennial High School . Walton was able to find and arrest the teen through an investigation .

Police said the teen was taken to the Champaign County Juvenile Detention Facility on Tuesday.

“I’m going to have to make sure my district is well maintained and taken care of,” he said. “So, when there’s a threat that comes out, I’m willing to do the best I can, and further than that, to make sure that justice is going to be sought after.”

It wasn’t the only threat either. About a week into his new position, Walton was investigating a middle school threat that led to another arrest of a teenager.

Walton said kids may think it isn’t that big of a deal, but he will always take the safety of his schools seriously. He said his door is always open for students or staff who just want to vent.

“Before it goes to the negative, you decide that you don’t have any options left, try one more chance. Just try another day,” he added. “One more day to try one more day to get through.”

Walton said parents can also lend a hand in keeping schools safe.

“Reach out to your kids and let them know the seriousness of these threats. It is not a good thing,” he said. “Make sure that you are monitoring their social media and make sure your monitor and their emotions. Asking them how they feel so that where they have anything that they have to discuss with you.”

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.