NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Metro Schools and Metro Police have been putting the call out for additional crossing guards.
A job fair was held Friday at the southeast facility for available positions.
Officials said applicants needed to have flexible schedules to be able to work during school hours, in the morning and again in the afternoon.
Those with the police department said it's a thankless job, but it's extremely vital to the overall safety of students.
“Without the crossing guards you can imagine some of these school zones would just be gridlock,” said Sergeant Mark Denton, of Metro Police. “Traffic wouldn't flow, children wouldn't be able to cross the street, so they’re extremely valuable in that respect.”
Crossing guards have been known to take their job extremely seriously.
Racine Felton has been the crossing guard outside KIPP Kirkpatrick Elementary School in East Nashville.
She has done her job with a smile. Felton has been polite, but firm.
“It's a little hectic, but as the traffic begins to know you, then they begin to slow down and obey the rules and regulations,” Felton said.
After watching her, it’s easy to see she has complete control of the road.
Crossing guards work for the Metro Police Department, and Sergeant Denton said you should respect them like other officers.
“They have the authority to direct traffic, and that's a misconception by a lot of people who call and say they don't have the authority,” Sergeant Denton said. “They have the same authority as police officers when it comes to directing traffic.”
Daily commutes through school zones will take longer, so commuters may want to consider taking an alternate route or allowing more time by leaving home earlier.
Crossing Guards don't have the authority to stop a driver or make an arrest, but they can call in patrol officers for help.
The speed limit in a school zone has been set at 15 miles per hour.
For those wanting to apply, it can be done in person at Metro southeast facility along Murfreesboro Pike or online.
