SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS- Part 1: The Argument For

Crime prevention goes beyond placing criminals into jail. In some ways it tries to take opportunity away from potential criminal acts as when a homeowner locks up their house, or a driver makes sure not to have anything left in view in their car when they park it when they go shopping or in their driveway at night.

Locking doors and other similar actions recommended by police and deputies are primary actions in reducing crime. But there are secondary activities that try to take away underlying causes that may lead people to do criminal acts. One of these secondary activities is the School Resource Officer (SRO).

The Office of Community Oriented Policing Services or the U.S. Justice Department (COPS) defines School Resource Officers as “…sworn law enforcement officers responsible for safety and crime prevention in schools.” Under the COPS concept, an SRO does more than merely patrol a school campus:

·         Law Enforcer- An SRO promotes safety in or around the school by addressing crime and fear of crime. They also serve as a liaison between the school and outside agencies. 

·        Informal Counselor- They build relationships with students to try to encourage and reinforce positive behaviors. They can connect youth with services if needed.

·         Educator- Teaches on topics related to law enforcement.

·         Emergency Manager- Helps school administrators to develop and implement safety plans and strategies.

Their goal is to ensure the safety of anyone who is on the school campus and to prevent crime through engagement with students, staff, families, and the community. A good SRO is not merely a guard who hauls kid off to juvenile court for some sort of discretion.

The SRO can have “face to face” interactions with students at times when the students are not “in trouble.” They can assist the school’s counseling staff with counseling and with students who may have issues at school or at home. By getting to know the students and the community around the school, the community and the SRO can prevent future crime.

SRO’s in Snohomish County receive regular specialized training in subjects such as equity, inclusion, diversity, general school safety, legal updates, and best practices.

By being imbedded in the school (or schools) the SRO works with school staff to ensure school safety and to promote long term crime prevention in the school and the surrounding community.

The National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO) says that SRO’s contribute to a reduction in crime in our society in several ways,

 

·         Prevention or minimization of property damage in the school and surrounding areas.

·         Prevention of student injuries and even death due to violence, drug overdoses, etc.

·         Reduction of the need for schools to call 911.

·         Reduction of the likelihood that a student will get a criminal record.

·         Increase of the likelihood that students (particularly those with mental health issues) will get the help they need from the social service and health care systems.

·         Increase in feelings of safety among students and staff.

 

 Next- Part 2: The Argument Against

 

Community Oriented Policing Services:

https://cops.usdoj.gov/supportingsafeschools

 

National Association of School Resource Officers:

https://asoft200109.accrisoft.com/nasro/faq/

 

Wikipedia:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/School_resource_officer#:~:text=The%20United%20States%20Department%20of%20Justice%20defines%20school,responsible%20for%20safety%20and%20crime%20prevention%20in%20schools.%E2%80%9D