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Interim school resource officer starts at Tiverton High School


Jacqueline Smaldone takes over as interim school resource officer at Tiverton High School. (WJAR){ }
Jacqueline Smaldone takes over as interim school resource officer at Tiverton High School. (WJAR)
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Tiverton is turning the page, putting a new resource officer in its schools.

The last officer to hold the job was fired and is now facing criminal charges.

Friday marks a fresh start for Tiverton High School students as 33-year-old Jacquelone Smaldone steps in as their interim school resource officer.

"If I can prove to them like I’m going to make a difference I’m going to step aside, just be real with them, be real with the students and really show my main goal there is to help them throughout life," she told NBC 10.

Former SRO Jacob Rapoza was fired by the district in December after allegedly threatening students for pulling a park on him.

He is now also facing criminal charges for allegedly sparking his taser too close to students and staff.

Rapoza's replacement was born and raised in Dartmouth. She went to Durfee High School where they had two security guards.

"I idolized them, I think they were a positive impact on the school and they were that manner where they would joke with us and it caused a good relationship," said Smaldone.

Smaldone was hired by the Tiverton Police Department nearly two years ago as a second-class patrol officer, the town her father lives in.

She previously worked as a mental health professional at Butler Hospital for seven years and hopes to bring those skills to the students.

"I know in high school, you’re figuring out who you are and you need a little guidance and if I can be there for their support it’s my main goal," Smaldone said.

She said she’s looking forward to bringing her background in mental health to the school system and being a resource for students to turn to.

“Just kind of bridging that gab between law enforcement and students. I mean I know we have a negative stigma right now, and if I can make a difference and show a positive impact and just be a good role model and mentor it will be huge,” said Smaldone.

It’s unclear when a permanent officer will be appointed to the position.

NBC 10's Liz Bateson and Joanna Bouras contributed to this report.

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