School Resource Officer Program

Frequently Asked Questions About the SRO Program

"What is an SRO?" An SRO, or School Resource Officer, is a certified peace officer assigned to a school or district, for the purposes of assisting with school security and safety, as well as education opportunities in the school.

"What does an SRO do?" The SRO will be in the school to monitor school security, so that all students and staff can function in a safe environment. The officer will also provide education opportunities such as DARE, GREAT, and Safety Town. In addition, the SRO will be available as a resource to the faculty in providing any assistance that the officer's experiences can offer to improve or build upon the lessons already taught in the classroom.

"How is this program funded?" The SRO program is funded by a federal grant, with no additional money coming from any tax revenue.

Picture: SRO talking with students.

"Why did this program come to our school?" The grant was awarded to the Union County Sheriff's Office to fund an SRO in a school. The administration at Fairbanks was impressed with the program, and requested that it be implemented in their district.

"Is there a problem in our school?" No. The program was started to provide the student body with one more positive resource to ensure them a complete education. It was not started in a response to any threat either real or perceived.

"Who is protecting my community while this officer is in school?" The grant allowed an officer to be reclassified from the Patrol Division of the Sheriff's Office, to the Community Services division for the purpose of starting this program. The vacant position in the Patrol Division was immediately filled, allowing the Sheriff's Office to provide the same level of protection without interruption.

Traditional Policing Compared with Community Policing

Traditional Policing (No SRO) Community Policing (With SRO)
Law enforcement officers entered schools when called, responding to incidents Law enforcement officers assigned to schools on regular basis, dealing with problems and concerns
School officials decided when to call law enforcement Officers involved in problem solving on an ongoing basis
School crisis planning failed to involve law enforcement Law enforcement involved in crisis preparation as well as response
Incidents resulted in administrative disciplinary resonses bt not cirminal consequesnces unless reported Presence of law enforcement ensures appropriate criminal consequences
Law enforcement officer's role limited to enforcement Officers increase their role in preventiona nd intervention activities
Education viewed law enforcement pressences as a failure Schools welcome officers as vital to their success
Police efficiency measured by arrest rates and calls for service Police effectiveness measured by the absence of crime and disorder
Picture: SRO playing basketball with students

School Resource Officer Program Overview

  1. Scope
    1. Elementary School
      1. One deputy in the school at least one full day each week
      2. Deputy provided by a grant to the Union County Sheriff's Office
    2. Middle School
      1. One deputy permanently assigned to the school
      2. Deputy provided by a grant to the Union County Sheriff's Office
    3. High School
      1. One deputy permanently assigned to the school
      2. Deputy provided by a grant to the Union County Sheriff's Office
  2. Goals
    1. To be a resource
      1. To administration -- providing safety and security of schools
      2. To teachers -- assisting with certain lessons / guest speaking
      3. To students -- teaching life skills through lessons and example
    2. To be an influence
      1. To create a sense of safety and security for students, staff, and guests
      2. To create a positive image of law enforcement to students
 
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  • Fairbanks Local School District
  • Bob Humble - Superintendent
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  • 11158 SR 38 * Milford Center, Ohio 43045-9725
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