School Resource Officers

I really like the show, Adam Ruins Everything.  It serves as a little dose of truth for complex issues.  Occasionally, Adam Conover will discuss things that impact schools.  In a recent episode he debunked a lot of myths about policing and that included School Resource Officers (SRO).  A couple of concerns raised in the show is that SROs are being used for what is typical school disciplinary issues and arrests seem to show racial bias.  With the call by some for all schools to have an SRO, it looks like the training for them has a lot to live up to.

So what goes into SRO training?  We are talking about two worlds of learning coming together for a very important mission.  Teachers are trained in child development and teaching while officers are trained in safety and enforcement.  Neither one could easily transition into the other's world.  The National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO) provides coursework for officers moving into the schoolhouse.  The basic 40 hour course topics are:

• Function of Law Enforcement
• Mentoring Students
• Guest Speaking

NASRO also offers and advanced course as well as adolescent mental health training.  

Sargent Jim Hawkins is a great example of what an SRO should be.  I had the pleasure of working with him at Mt. Vernon Township High School.  He is a great human being on every level.  Hawk would be a part of my teaching.  I taught civics and he would come in after a discussion on the 4th and 5th amendments and talk about police stops and probable cause.  His appearance always spun into a deep dive about public service.  He cared more about motivating kids to be good citizens, and less about showing off his copness (new term).

He served in this position back when it was still largely undefined.  He very keenly understood that he was there to help grow students, regardless of the badge he carried.  He was a teacher, just like us.  Sure, at times he would placed in a position to be a cop, but he did not let that define him in this role.  I wish I could put a better finger on his uniqueness, but I just can't.  SROs can catch bad press just like teachers have.  I never felt Sergeant Hawkins might take advantage of his position, but I always knew he cared about the students.

The benefits of having SROs far outweigh the drawbacks.  We do have to be patient for the position to evolve into what we need it to be though.  SROs provide a link to emergency services.  SROs can serve as a resource for disenfranchised families.  SROs can provide perspective on safety issues. And as a last resort, be a cop.  If your school employs an SRO, show them your support.  They are entering a tough world compared to theirs.  They get to experience what we do and that is being one more caring adult for a kid that needs us.