What is a School Resource Officer?

The School Resource Officer (SRO) is a full-time, sworn Police Officer who is placed within a school to perform a variety of functions.  The idea was born in Michigan in 1950 when the first SRO program was conceived.  The intent of the program was to deal with the rapid increase in juvenile related crime.

Since then, communities across the United States have initiated School Resource Officer Programs.  Heightened awareness of school related violence and drug use among other things within the schools have served as a  major catalyst for the initiation of such programs.  However, the function of the SRO has expanded substantially over the years.

Today's SRO's operate on a three pronged or Triad concept.

• Law Enforcement - This function includes such things as enforcing motor vehicle and criminal laws within the confines of the school campus.  Students inclined to break the law will no longer feel that their school is a sanctuary from the laws of the community.  Additionally, the SRO serves as a protector of school property by dealing with the physical security of the campus and by consulting the school authorities to find ways to make their campus a safer place.

Often times when a student is brought before the school administrators for misconduct such as bullying, assault, harassment etc the officer is also present at the meeting to enlighten the student about the "real world" consequences of these kinds of behaviors.  There are times when the chronic offenders may be charged.

• Instructor - The School Resource Officer acts as a valuable resource to teachers of all grades by providing law related education to students on topics such as crime prevention, drug abuse, gangs, violence, bullying, constitutional law, stranger danger, bicycle safety, DWI and a myriad of other topics.  Some SRO's teach extended programs like DARE to students.

• Counselor - Herein lies a significant portion of the SRO's job.  It should be mentioned that the SRO isn't just a "resource" to the students.  He serves as a resource to teachers, school staff and parents.  The School Resource Officer can offer informal counseling to students and parents based on the expertise of the officer.  

The ultimate goal of our SRO program is to maintain and improve the safety of the learning environment in our schools through the reduction and prevention of school violence and drug abuse.  When working in the schools, the SRO wears plain clothes however, he is armed. 

While the primary focus is prevention and deterrence, the SRO conducts all criminal investigations on campus, coordinating his activities with the Principal and School Superintendent.  Although under the direct supervision of the Police Department, he is considered a member of the school faculty and as such, works closely with the Principal and Vice-Principal to determine the best course of action.