The Role of the School Resource Officer

Just as schools have an obligation to maintain a safe school environment, law enforcement agencies have an obligation to provide police services to schools. School-based community policing programs such as the School Resource Officer Program have become one of the key strategies for school systems and law enforcement agencies in providing for safe and secure schools.

School Resource Officer Job Description

The following is an example of a School Resource Officers job description, taking into account the position three main roles and responsibilities: law enforcement officer, law-related counselor, and law related educator.

1.     Provide law enforcement and police services to the school, school grounds and areas adjacent to the school. Investigate allegations of criminal incidents per police department policies and procedures. Enforce state and local laws and ordinances. Make appropriate referrals to juvenile authorities or other governmental agencies.

2.     Work to prevent juvenile delinquency through close contact and positive relationships with students. In addition the SRO shall develop crime prevention programs and conduct security inspections to deter criminal or delinquent activities. The SRO should monitor crime statistics and work with local patrol officers and students together to design crime prevention strategies.

3.     Establish and maintain a close partnership with school administrators in order to provide for a safe school environment. Assist school officials with their efforts to enforce Board of Education policies and procedures. Ensure school administrator safety by being present during school searches, which may involve weapons, controlled dangerous substances or in such cases that, the student’s emotional state may present a risk to the administrator. Assist school administrators in emergency crisis planning and building security matters. Provide a course of training for school personnel in handling crisis situations, which may arise at the school.

4.     Be visible within the school community. Attend and participate in school functions. Build working relationships with the school’s staff as well as with students and parent groups.

5.     Develop and implement classes in law related education to support the educational efforts of the faculty. Work closely with teachers in designing and presenting law-related topics and the role of police in our society.

6.     Work with guidance counselors and other student support staff to assist students and to provide services to students involved in situations where referrals to service agencies are necessary. Assist in conflict resolution efforts.

7.     Initiate interaction with students in the classroom and general areas of the school building. Promote the profession of police officer and be a positive role model. Increase the visibility and accessibility of police to the school community.

http://cte.jhu.edu/courses/ssn/sro/index.html

POLICE LIAISON OFFICER FUNCTIONS AT HURON HIGH SCHOOL 

1.  Maintain high visibility in the school as a deterrent to inappropriate behavior.

2.  Improve communication between students, parents, the school, and the police department.

3.  Participate in case conferences and parent conferences as appropriate.

4.  Assist with supervision of field trips and events.

5.  Develop a system for monitoring all parking lots on a regular basis. Cite illegal cars parked on the campus as needed.

6.  Periodically check surrounding parks and streets on a regular basis.

7.  Enforce Trespass laws.

8.  Help organize safety and anticrime campaigns.

9.  Be available to counsel students and parents on law-related matters.

10. Conduct background and follow-up investigations of students and staff members upon request of school administrators.

11. Keep school officials informed concerning police apprehension of students in and outside of the school.

12. Develop an early identification of delinquent and predelinquent behavior and facilitate early intervention and referral as needed.

13. Provide classroom lectures and other classroom presentations when appropriate.

14. Serve as a resource in the areas of prevention and resolution of juvenile delinquency behavior.

15. Consult with the Principal and staff on matters of school safety and security.

16. Work with juvenile court representatives concerning juvenile crime prevention and control.

17. Investigate incidents of crime in the school.

18. Assists with crowd control in situations where it is needed.

19. Provide information and assistance to the PTSO, service clubs, and other community groups.

20. Serve as a member of the school crisis team.

21. Prepare monthly report and submit to the Principal.