Updated: Thu Aug. 28 2008 6:58:09 PM

ctvtoronto.ca

When Toronto high school students return to class, they will be joined by Toronto police officers, CTV News has learned.

Uniformed police officers will be posted at about two-dozen public high schools and two Catholic high schools beginning in October.

The Toronto District School Board is not expected to make a formal announcement about the initiative for at least another week.

However, the chair of the TDSB told CTV Toronto the move will serve as both a crime deterrent and an opportunity to build bridges between youth and police.

"I think we all stand to benefit," John Campbell said. "The police officers will see these kids in a really positive light and conversely, the kids will see the police officers in a really human setting."

While many parents interviewed by CTV Toronto supported the initiative, many kids did not.

"It's a school," said one youth outside Etobicoke Collegiate Institute. "They should look for real crime."

The TDSB said administrators were compelled to look for new ways to ensure student and teacher safety following the shooting death of 15-year-old Jordan Manners at C.W. Jefferys two years ago.

The strategy won't cost schools or taxpayers extra money, as Toronto police will reallocate existing on-duty officers.

With a report from CTV Toronto's Brad Giffen