The School Resource Officer Program is a nationally accepted program involving the placement of a law enforcement officer within the educational environment on several different levels. The officer is involved in a variety of functions. What is the School Resource Officer?

• As a visible, active law enforcement figure on campus dealing with any law-related issues.
• As a classroom resource for instruction in the following areas: law related education, violence diffusion, safety programs, alcohol and drug prevention, crime prevention and other areas.
• As a member of the faculty and administrative team working hand in hand to solve problems in the school community.
• As a resource for the students which will enable students to be associated with a law enforcement figure in the student's environment.
• As a resource to teachers, parents and students for conferences on an individual basis, dealing with individual problems or questions.
• As a counseling resource in areas which may affect the educational environment but may be of a law-related nature.

Goals of the School Resource Officer Program

• Bridge the gap between Police Officers and young people, and increase positive attitudes toward law enforcement.
• Teach the value of our legal system.
• Promote respect for people and property.
• Reduce juveniles crime by helping students formulate an awareness of rules, authority and justice.
• To take a personal interest in students and their activities.
• To allow students access to the legal system.
• To give students a realistic picture of our laws and legal system so they will have an investment in supporting and improving it.
• Teach students how to avoid becoming a victim through self awareness and crime prevention.

The TRIAD Concept

The basic TRIAD concept which signifies the philosophy of the school resource officer program adheres to the following roles

Teacher:

• A member of the faculty and administration.
• Provide law related education to the students, parents and staff on request.
• Role of a guest speaker.

Consular:

• Informal counseling of students and parents based on the expertise of a law enforcement officer.
• Work closely with the school's counseling staff.
• Provide information on community services and the law to students, parents and staff.
• Program coordinator.

Law Enforcement Officer:

• Uniformed, armed officer.
• Marked vehicle.
• Uniformed or plain clothes.
• Investigates crimes, makes arrests.
• The officer for the school community.
• Works with other law enforcement officers and agencies.
• Liaison between the school and police community.
• Positive role model.