BUTLER TWP — Butler is the first school district in the county to appoint a police officer in charge of cyber security.

The school board Monday night voted to enter into a joint municipal agreement with Butler County District Attorney Richard Goldinger, to work together on investigating cyber crimes.

John Stepansky, who already works as an officer at the district, will be the officer focusing on cyber investigations. Stepansky is a former state trooper who has 12 years' experience as a troop computer crime investigator and is a digital forensics instructor at Butler County Community College.

The goals of the program are to protect students and staff against exploitation, threats, violence, harassment and bullying, and to gather information to thwart criminal activity occurring in and around schools, according to a news release from the district.

Stepansky said he would conduct his investigations following the same procedures he used as a state trooper. He would not act as the arresting officer, but could be called as an expert witness in any criminal cases.

Goldinger at the meeting Monday night said he thinks the joint agreement is a good way to be proactive against crimes such as human trafficking, which could happen anywhere, including Butler County.

“It's happening right before our eyes and we don't realize it,” Goldinger said.

Stepansky will work with county detectives and state police as necessary, Goldinger said.

Paul Epps, head of the district's police, said that they will be OK without Stepansky working regular guard duties. He could still be requested to assist other officers at times, Epps said. The district has 19 school police officers.

“I don't foresee any lag in what we are doing,” Epps said.

The district employs retired state troopers as school police who provide security in all its buildings.

School solicitor Tom King said that the joint agreement is the first of its kind in Butler County.

District officials approached Goldinger with the idea, and he was supportive.

“This is the kind of cooperation we need to promote the safety of our kids,” King said.